Outbreak of antibiotic-resistant salmonella affects 34 people in 13 US states

An outbreak of antibiotic-resistant salmonella affected at least 34 people in 13 US states between February and March 2026. Centros of Controle and Prevenção of Doenças of the USA (CDC) issued the alert following an epidemiological investigation that traced the cases to contact with backyard poultry. Treze people required hospitalization, and the ages of the victims ranged between 1 and 78 years, with a concentration in children under 5 years of age, who represent more than 40% of those infected.

Antimicrobial Resistência complicates treatment

The most worrying feature of this outbreak is the bacteria’s resistance to common medications. Análises laboratory tests of the samples collected revealed that each of the 34 strains of salmonella presents possible resistance to at least one antibiotic routinely used in treatment. Alguns bacterial isolates have shown resistance to up to five different drugs, significantly hampering available therapeutic options.

Infecções caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens pose a high health risk, especially in vulnerable populations. Quando conventional antibiotics do not work, the disease can progress to serious or fatal forms. Crianças small, elderly, and people with compromised immune systems face a greater likelihood of complications. The CDC continually monitors each patient’s clinical progress to guide adapted treatment strategies.

Contato direct with birds as a determining factor

Epidemiological investigation identified a strong association between exposure to animals and the development of the disease. Aproximadamente 80% of people interviewed reported direct contact with chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl or turkeys kept in backyards. Mais of 90% of bird owners acquired the animals since January, a period that guides the search for the source of contamination.

• Aves were obtained from agricultural product stores spread across different regions
• Animais may be natural carriers of salmonella without showing visible symptoms
• Humanos become contaminated through direct contact, handling food or exposure to contaminated objects in the environment
• Small Crianças are at greater risk for exploring the environment less cautiously

Health authorities systematically investigate points of sale to identify whether any specific supplier distributed infected birds. Traceability of the origin of animals is crucial to contain the outbreak and prevent new transmissions in other regions.

Distribuição geographic and epidemiological pattern

The confirmed cases are distributed across Flórida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Virgínia Ocidental. The spread across 13 states suggests multiple points of contamination or a distribution chain of infected birds that crosses several regions. The CDC warned that new cases in states not yet affected are possible as the investigation remains ongoing.

Comparando With previous outbreaks, the CDC faced a similar problem in 2025, when more than 500 people in 48 states were infected, resulting in 125 hospitalizations and two deaths. The current outbreak, although on a smaller scale to date, presents an aggravating factor: the presence of antimicrobial resistance in greater proportions, reflecting the evolution of the pathogen that requires increased attention.

Medidas preventive measures recommended by the CDC

The CDC has issued clear guidance to reduce the risk of infection. Strict hygiene after any handling of birds, their food or environmental objects is essential. Lavar washing hands with soap and water after these contacts remains the most effective measure to prevent the transmission of the bacteria.

Specific Recomendações include avoiding kissing or hugging birds, a common practice in children who can easily put their fingers in their mouths. Lavar hands before eating, drinking or touching your face is essential. Manter birds in areas separate from food preparation environments, regularly disinfecting objects and surfaces that may have come into contact with the animals, and ensuring supervision of young children during any interactions with these animals are additional recommended measures.

Investigação in progress and future prospects

Investigations remain open to fully clarify the circumstances of the outbreak. CDC works collaboratively with state and local health agencies to expand the search for new cases, refine the clinical profile of infections, and identify the common source of contamination. Cada new case interviewed provides clues that accumulate in the epidemiological puzzle, bringing authorities closer to the origin of the problem.

If a specific farm supply store or distributor is identified as responsible for the sale of infected birds, corrective actions and communication to the public can be implemented quickly. Até this occurs, epidemiological surveillance remains intensified in the 13 affected states and beyond, with a special focus on protecting at-risk groups such as children under 5 years of age, adults over 65 years of age, and people with compromised immune systems.