OLYMPIA, Wash. — Six Washington residents have been sickened as part of a multi-state Salmonella outbreak believed to be linked to wild songbirds.
The CDC reports a total of 19 cases of Salmonella in eight states.
Washington state is currently reporting six cases, of which three have required hospitalization.
Beth Melius, an epidemiologist with the state Department of Health, says cleaning your bird feeder or bird bath weekly can help keep people and animals healthy.
Symptoms of Salmonella can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and can be fatal in severe cases.
Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.