A drug-resistant strain of Salmonella Saintpaul has sickened at least 34 people across 13 states after exposure to backyard poultry. Children account for more than four in ten cases, with patients under five years old being especially vulnerable.
As of April 13, the CDC confirmed 34 infections, with 13 patients hospitalized. The outbreak strain may be resistant to key antibiotics, including fosfomycin. This raises serious concerns about antibiotic resistance and public health.
The median age of patients is 12, with ages ranging from under a year old to 78. Infections can occur after touching backyard poultry, eggs, or contaminated objects and then touching the mouth or food without washing hands.
Key facts:
- The CDC warns that many more infections may be going undetected as many recover without medical care.
- The outbreak is linked to backyard poultry, including chickens and ducks.
- Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
The CDC has investigated multiple salmonella outbreaks involving backyard poultry in recent years. They emphasize the importance of food safety practices to prevent further spread.
Officials have not confirmed the exact source of this outbreak but note that 80% of interviewed individuals reported contact with backyard poultry. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
