CDC Alert: Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Triggers Massive Poultry Recall—Symptoms & Safety Tips

U.S. health officials are tracking a multistate outbreak of drug-resistant Salmonella Saintpaul that has sickened at least 34 people across 13 states, with nearly half of the infections striking children under age 5 and 13 patients requiring hospitalization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed in its latest investigation update released April 23 2026. Early evidence links the illnesses to contact with backyard poultry—such as chicks, ducklings and adult birds—recently purchased from agricultural retail stores and hatcheries. Of the 29 patients interviewed so far, 79 percent reported handling or being near backyard flocks, and most owners acquired their birds after January 1. Laboratory testing shows the outbreak strain is resistant to the frontline antibiotic fosfomycin; some samples also predict resistance to chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole and tetracycline, raising concerns about limited treatment options if severe cases emerge. Geographically, the highest case counts are clustered in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, but confirmed infections stretch from Maine to Florida, underscoring how live-bird supply chains can disperse pathogens nationwide. The CDC warns the true scope is “likely much higher” because many people recover without testing or medical care. Patients in this outbreak range from infants to 78 years old, with a median age of 12. Typical salmonellosis symptoms—diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever—start 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and last 4 to 7 days. While most healthy adults recover without antibiotics, young children, adults 65 and older and anyone with weakened immunity face higher risks of dehydration and invasive infection. SAFETY GUIDANCE • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching birds, their feed or anything in their environment. • Keep poultry and related supplies outside the home to prevent germ spread. • Supervise children around backyard flocks and prohibit kissing or snuggling birds. • Contact a healthcare provider if you develop severe diarrhea, high fever or signs of dehydration. New or prospective poultry owners should buy chicks only from hatcheries that participate in Salmonella control programs and ask retailers about their supplier’s testing practices. The CDC and state partners are working with hatcheries to strengthen biosecurity, but consumers’ day-to-day hygiene remains the first line of defense against drug-resistant Salmonella.