Wyoming Health Department Shares Tips to Avoid Summer Illnesses from Water and Animals

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has issued guidance to prevent summer illnesses linked to water activities and animal contact, emphasizing simple precautions to ensure safe enjoyment of outdoor recreation. Diseases like cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and shigellosis can spread by swallowing contaminated pool or outdoor water, while salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and E. coli infections may result from touching animals or their feces at events like petting zoos or brandings. Epidemiologist Courtney Tillman noted that these illnesses, often causing diarrhea, can be serious but are preventable with proper hygiene.

WDH Epidemiologist Matt Peterson highlighted a rise in salmonellosis cases among young children handling backyard poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, which can carry Salmonella in their droppings despite appearing clean. Children under 5 are particularly vulnerable due to developing immune systems and frequent hand-to-mouth contact. Recommendations include supervised handwashing after animal contact, avoiding water contamination, and not touching wild animals. For more details on preventing summer illnesses, visit health.wyo.gov.

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