A new salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry has sickened at least seven people in six states, health officials said Monday.

Two cases were identified in Missouri, and one each in Utah, Florida, Illinois, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

People got sick in February and March of this year, the CDC said. They all had the same strain of salmonella — a version that has been traced to hatcheries in the past. The investigation is continuing, health officials said.

Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year, and recent outbreaks have been tied to sources such as cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurized milk, fresh basil, geckos and pet bearded dragons.

But one concern is that chickens and other backyard poultry can carry salmonella bacteria even if they look healthy and clean. A backyard poultry-associated outbreak that ended last year was tied to 470 cases spread across 48 states, including one death.

— Mike Stobbe, AP Medical Writer

USDA announces new presidential appointee to serve rural Utah

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Stan Summers is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Utah. Director Summers will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.

“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Secretary Rollins.

“I’m just a dairy farmer’s son, who’s genuinely proud to serve rural America and represent the needs of the farmers, ranchers, and the friends and neighbors that make rural Utah home,” said Summers. “Under the work and vision provided by President Trump and Secretary Rollins, USDA Rural Development will continue to strive for improvement in the way we meet the needs of our communities. It’s rural cities and towns that drive Utah’s economy, and I’m determined to ensure rural is at the center of all we do moving forward.”

Summers recently completed his third term as a County Commissioner for Box Elder County. During his time as a county commissioner he also served as President of the Utah Association of Counties, Chair of the Utah Association of County Commissioners and Councils, and Chair of Bear River Association of Governments. Additionally, Summers has served as a board member for several organizations including NADO (National Association of Development Organizations), the Utah Constitutional Defense Council, the Intermountain Health Corporate Board, and the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Utah.

— U.S. Department of Agriculture press release

Utah designated Safety Leader Status in new carbon monoxide risk assessment

UL Standards & Engagement released its inaugural U.S. State CO Risk Assessment Report on Tuesday, evaluating U.S. states’ preparedness to prevent CO poisonings. The report draws on multiple data sources across the last two decades to ensure a comprehensive assessment of health outcomes, regulatory and code strength, and public awareness and behavior.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, but a preventable one if we take the right steps to reduce the risk,” said Jeff Marootian, president and CEO of UL Standards & Engagement. “Detection is the best — and sometimes only — means of prevention, but we found that a staggering number of people were leaving themselves unprotected and wanted to explore where and how we can save lives.”

Last year, a ULSE report found that 36% of U.S. adults — an estimated 86.2 million Americans — have no means of CO protection in their homes. The report comes as hurricane season approaches and in the wake of several high-profile carbon monoxide poisonings, including incidents across Utah, in the news.

Evaluating 50 states and the District of Columbia, the assessment offers an overall weighted score out of 100 based on health outcomes, regulatory strength, and public awareness and behavior.

— UL Standards & Engagement press release

Red Cross of Utah celebrates National Nurses Week and local partnerships with nursing colleges

The American Red Cross proudly celebrates National Nurses Week by recognizing the profound impact nurses have in delivering compassionate care across all areas of its mission.Here in Utah, our partnerships with local nursing schools not only empower aspiring nurses to gain valuable

hands-on experience but also make a meaningful impact through initiatives like blood drives, fire safety education and community health programs.

The Red Cross of Utah is partnering with institutions such as Arizona College of Nursing, Salt Lake Community College’s Nursing Program and Roseman University’s Nursing Program. These relationships are part of an ongoing effort to integrate nursing students into the Red Cross volunteer network while providing tailored opportunities for them to use their skills to serve others.

“Nurses remain one of the most invaluable resources we have at the Red Cross. Their training and expertise allow them to contribute significantly to every aspect of our mission,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “We deeply value our partnerships with nursing colleges as they not only strengthen our mission but also inspire the next generation of nurses to channel their professional skills into humanitarian service.”

— Red Cross of Utah press release