Top 5 Takeaways

1. Risk of Salmonellosis in Newborns: A case of neonatal salmonellosis in Oregon highlights the risks to newborns from backyard poultry, even without direct exposure, emphasizing the dangers of environmental transmission.
2. Geographic Proximity Unnecessary for Transmission: The infected newborn was over 150 miles away from the backyard poultry, suggesting that salmonellosis can be transmitted through indirect contact likely via fomites.
3. Environmental Evidence: Whole genome sequencing confirmed that environmental samples from the poultry coop and the newborn’s Salmonella strain were nearly identical, underlining the link between backyard poultry and the infection.
4. Public Health Recommendations: Health officials recommend detailed epidemiologic investigations and environmental testing for salmonellosis cases potentially linked to backyard poultry to prevent further outbreaks.
5. Hygiene and Awareness: Emphasis on hygiene for families with backyard poultry is critical, especially those with newborns and young infants, to prevent salmonellosis transmission.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Stephen G. Ladd-Wilson, Stephen.G.Ladd-Wilson@oha.oregon.gov .

Suggested Citation

Ladd-Wilson SG, Yeargain K, Myoda SP, Samadpour M, Morey K, Cieslak PR. Notes from the Field: Neonatal Salmonellosis Associated with Backyard Poultry — Oregon, November 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:321–322. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7314a6 .

Summary

This report discusses a case of neonatal salmonellosis in Oregon associated with backyard poultry. The infant, despite having no direct contact with the poultry, was infected and exhibited symptoms shortly after birth. This case stresses the importance of hygiene and public health vigilance in preventing such infections.

Methods

The investigation involved collecting and analyzing environmental and clinical samples, with genomic sequencing used to link the Salmonella strains from the backyard poultry to the newborn.

Discussion

The discussion emphasizes the ongoing risk of salmonellosis associated with backyard poultry, the potential for indirect transmission, and the need for heightened awareness and hygiene practices among families with young children.

Conclusion

This case underlines the need for improved public health strategies to manage and mitigate risks associated with backyard poultry, especially for vulnerable populations like newborns.

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