The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new update on three ongoing Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry, including ducks and chickens. The outbreaks have spread to 31 states, sickening 184 people, hospitalizing 53, and resulting in one fatality.
Here’s what you need to know about the current situation.
What’s Happened?
In April, the CDC first warned the public about a concerning Salmonella outbreak that had spread to 13 states. At the time, the agency reported that 34 people had been infected, with 13 requiring hospitalization. The outbreak was particularly alarming because the Salmonella strains were resistant to fosfomycin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, as well as other antibiotics.
The CDC noted that the actual number of infections was likely higher, as not everyone with Salmonella seeks medical care. The agency has since identified three separate Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry.
How Many People Have Been Infected?
As of the CDC’s latest update on May 14, the number of confirmed cases has surged:
- 184 people have been infected across 31 states.
- 53 people have been hospitalized, up from 13 in the previous update.
- One death has been confirmed in Washington state.
- 25% of those infected are children under the age of 5, a group particularly vulnerable to Salmonella due to their developing immune systems.
The largest outbreak has an unusually high number of people reporting contact with ducks, the CDC noted in its update.
Where Are the Outbreaks Happening?
The outbreaks have now spread to 31 states, a significant increase from the previous update. The affected states include:
- Kentucky (22 cases)
- Michigan (21 cases)
- Washington (9 cases, including the fatality)
- Additional cases in Texas and states along the Pacific coast.
The outbreaks were initially concentrated in the Midwest and Northwest but have now expanded to a broader geographic range.
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