One dead, dozens across 31 states hospitalized from antibiotic-resistant bacteria linked

Dozens more patients have been sickened and hospitalized and one person has died from an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria being linked to backyard poultry flocks. 

Last month, the CDC warned of an outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul among people who reported contact with poultry. 

When first reported, there were 34 people sickened and 13 hospitalized across 13 states. 

In the latest update, published Thursday, there are now 184 cases, 53 hospitalizations and one death in 31 states. There have also been new outbreak strains of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Mbandaka. 

The largest outdate, the CDC said there is ‘an unusually high number of people reporting contact with ducks.’ 

Salmonella infections trigger diarrhea and stomach cramps within six hours and six days of infection, and symptoms normally resolve within four to seven days.

But in those most at risk, including children under five and adults over 50, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream and cause the potentially fatal complication sepsis.

Doctors treat the infection with antibiotics, but, in cases where the bacteria are resistant, it severely limits options and raises risks of serious complications.

Health officials say 184 people have been sickened, 53 hospitalized and one has died after contact with backyard poultry (stock image)

Kentucky has seen the highest number of cases so far with 22, followed by 21 in Michigan, 17 in Wisconsin, 15 in Ohio and 10 each in Idaho, Indiana and Maine. 

The death was reported in a patient from Washington state, which has nine cases.  

According to the CDC, the Saintpaul strain has infected 133 people, the Enteritidis has infected 32 people and the Mbandaka has infected 19. 

People became sick between January 17, 2026 and April 20, 2026. 

While cases have risen since the first notice, the CDC noted: ‘The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.’

Not everyone infected with Salmonella receives treatment or testing for the bacteria. 

Patients range in age from less than a year old to 86. About one-quarter of patients are under five years old. 

Of the 141 people interviewed, 110, or 78 percent, reported contact with backyard poultry. 

Of 65 patients with Salmonella Saintpaul who reported poultry contact, 51 reported contact with chicks or chickens and 35 reported contact with ducklings or ducks. 

Of 25 patients with more specific information, 16 specified contact with Pekin ducks.

The CDC is investigating a link between the cases. Of 70 people who reported owning backyard poultry, 61 purchased the animals since January but have reported getting them from various sources, including agricultural retail stores. 

The outbreak strains have been linked to five hatcheries and the CDC is working with states to notify the hatcheries, suppliers and any additional connected sources.  

The above map shows where salmonella cases connected to backyard poultry have been reported

Investigators in Ohio have collected samples from backyard poultry and the boxes used to ship the animals to stores. 

Testing showed that the Salmonella Saintpaul and Mbandaka found in these samples were the same strains as those found in sick people.

Of the 184 human samples taken, 133 were predicted to be resistant to fosfomycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic often used to treat salmonella infections. All six of the animal samples taken were also shown to be resistant to fosfomycin. 

Fifty-nine of the human samples were also found to be resistant to one or more other common types of antibiotics.  

Health officials have urged people who have contact with poultry to wash their hands with soap and water immediately after touching the birds, their eggs or anything in the area where they live or roam.

People have also been urged not to kiss poultry, not to eat or drink around them and to ensure children are always supervised with birds and wash their hands properly afterwards.

Those who believe they were sickened in the outbreak have been urged to contact their health provider.

Chickens and other poultry often carry salmonella in their intestines and do not show any symptoms.

They can spread the bacteria via their feces, contaminated feathers and eggs.

Humans may pick up the bacteria after holding backyard poultry or touching their eggs or living spaces.

Health officials said: ‘Backyard poultry, like chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean.

‘These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam.’