PIERRE (AP) -- South Dakota health officials are reporting an outbreak of salmonella associated with baby chicks.
The department says that three cases have been reported in the southeastern part of the state and one in the southwest. One case was a child younger than 4 and the others were adults.
Children are especially susceptible because they frequently put their fingers into their mouths and because their immune systems are still developing.
Early symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Bloodstream infections can be quite serious, particularly in the very young or elderly.
Officials recommend that residents wash hands thoroughly after handling poultry.
