Salmonella outbreak: CDC map shows where drug-resistant infections linked to backyard poultry are occurring

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a Salmonella outbreak in more than a dozen states. Worse, the outbreak appears to be linked to a strain of the bacterium that may be resistant to antibiotics. Here’s what you need to know about the source of the outbreak, where its occuring, and what you can do about it. What’s happened? On April 23, the CDC posted an update regarding its ongoing investigation into a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections. The outbreak is believed to be linked to backyard poultry, such as ducks and chickens. The first reported infection linked to the outbreak is believed to have occurred on February 26, affecting one individual. But since then, dozens of other infections have been reported. Currently, the CDC says that it has confirmed 34 cases in the outbreak, which has now spread to 13 states. The outbreak involves the Salmonella Saintpaul strain of the bacterium. Unfortunately, upon whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of samples collected from those infected, all cases showed resistance to fosfomycin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat Salmonella infections. Samples from an additional eight people showed resistance to other antibiotics, including chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline. Nearly 80% of the affected individuals reported having contact with backyard poultry before becoming sick. The CDC then sampled some backyard poultry and found that it carried the same strain of Salmonella that was making the people sick. How many people have been infected? As of its April 23 update, the CDC confirmed 34 cases linked to the outbreak. Of those 34 cases, 13 people required hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported. However, the CDC notes that the actual number of people infected in the outbreak may be much higher. This is because it can take three to four weeks for health officials to determine if a Salmonella infection is part of the outbreak. Additionally, many people become