OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — State health officials say six Washington residents have become ill in a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, believed to be linked to wild songbirds. The Washington state Department of Health said Monday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 19 cases of Salmonella in eight states. Washington state is currently reporting one case each in Clark, King, Lewis, Kitsap, Spokane and Thurston counties. Officials say three Washington cases have required hospitalization. Department of Health epidemiologist Beth Melius says people shouldn’t touch or hand-feed wild birds with their bare hands. Symptoms of Salmonella can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and can be fatal in severe cases.
Officials: 6 sickened by Salmonella linked to songbirds
