Salmonella explosion rocks Queensland as more than a dozen children are infected
An urgent health warning has been issued after an outbreak of Salmonella transmitted from backyard chickens.
Queensland Health said 17 cases of the disease have been detected in the state since June 26 – 13 of whom are children under the age of 11.
The bacterial disease affects the human intestines and can lead to stomach cramping, fever and diarrhoea within six hours.
The state’s health authority said chicks ‘purchased in the two-week period prior to their illness’ were responsible for the outbreak.
An urgent health warning has been issued after an outbreak of Salmonella transmitted from chicks ‘purchased in the two-week period prior to their illness’ (stock image)
‘These chicks have been obtained from a range of produce and pet stores in Queensland,’ acting executive director of Queensland Health’s Communicable Diseases Branch Dr Alun Richards said.
‘Backyard poultry can harbour and shed Salmonella that cause illness in humans, even though the birds are healthy and clean.’
‘The investigation into the supplier of chicks is currently ongoing.’
Queensland Health has issued a range of public health advice to help Queenslanders stay safe from the disease.
More to come