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6 in Washington sickened by Salmonella linked to songbirds

Published 6:12 am Tuesday, April 6, 2021

From top, a Pine Siskin, American goldfinch and Black-capped chickadee sit on a feeder in Fayston, Vt., Friday, Dec. 19, 2008. From Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, birders around the western hemisphere head out on for one day to keep track of the birds they see and hear in a 15-mile diameter circle. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
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From top, a Pine Siskin, American goldfinch and Black-capped chickadee sit on a feeder in Fayston, Vt., Friday, Dec. 19, 2008. From Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, birders around the western hemisphere head out on for one day to keep track of the birds they see and hear in a 15-mile diameter circle. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
From top, a Pine Siskin, American goldfinch and Black-capped chickadee sit on a birdfeeder. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot file)

Associated Press

OLYMPIA — Six Washington residents have become ill in an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, believed to be linked to wild songbirds, particularly Pine Siskins, state health officials said Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 19 cases of Salmonella in eight states, the Washington state Department of Health said.

Washington state on Monday reported one case each in Clark, King, Lewis, Kitsap, Spokane and Thurston counties. Three Washington cases have required hospitalization, officials said. No further information about how people were infected was released.

Salmonella germs can spread between species of birds, to pets and to people, officials said.

Department of Health epidemiologist Beth Melius said 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. Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.

“Cleaning your bird feeder or bird bath weekly or whenever it is dirty can help keep people and animals healthy,” Melius said. “And, always wash your hands after touching your bird feeder or bird bath.”

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