NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people are dead and 768 are ill due to a nationwide Salmonella outbreak,the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

The CDC recently posted updates regarding two separate outbreaks – one linked to contact with poultry in backyard flocks and one linked to contact with pig ear dog treats.

According to the latest CDC report, the outbreak now involves 48 states with 768 people affected — 122 of them hospitalized. Two deaths were reported, one in Texas and one in Ohio.

Since 2000, more than 75 outbreaks of Salmonella infections have been linked to contact with backyard poultry.

Recall:Pig ear dog treats recalled in 33 states after 'potential of Salmonella contamination'

In Tennessee, 55 people have become ill. The only other state to report more cases is Ohio, with 62 illnesses.

The CDC says 24% of those interviewed who became ill are children under the age of 5.

The CDC recommends the following as a safety precaution:

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching poultry or anything in their environment. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not immediately available.

Do not let backyard poultry inside the house. Be especially careful to keep them out of areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens and outdoor patios.

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