By Anuja Vaidya

Since July 19, 235 people have been infected in a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry, bringing the total number of people sickened this year to 1,003 and the death toll to two, according to the CDC.

The outbreak spans 49 states, and of those infected, 175 have been hospitalized and two people have died, one person in Texas and another in Ohio. Ohio has had the most cases, 73.

Whole genome sequencing and interviews with the infected population has shown that the likely source of the outbreak is contact with backyard poultry, including chicks and ducklings, from multiple hatcheries.

Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Deaths from infections are rare.

The CDC urges people with backyard poultry to wash their hands with soap and water immediately after coming into contact with the animals. Backyard fowl should not be let inside the house, especially in areas with food or drink, the agency warned.