The CDC reported a multi-state Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak in 2026 linked to backyard poultry that had sickened 34 people across 13 states, with a high hospitalization rate and confirmed antibiotic resistance. The resistant bacteria, often linked to direct contact with chicks, are resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as fosfomycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, making infections harder to treat. As of April 13, 2026, a total of 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul have been reported from 13 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 26, 2026, to March 31, 2026. Of 27 people with information available, 13 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Of the 29 people interviewed, 23 (79%) reported contact with backyard poultry. Of 14 people who reported owning backyard poultry, 13 (93%) purchased or obtained poultry since January 1, 2026. People reported getting their poultry from various places, including agricultural retail stores. Investigators continue to collect information about where sick people obtained poultry and what hatcheries supplied the retail stores where ill people purchased poultry. WGS showed that bacteria from sick people's samples are closely related genetically. Suggesting that people in this outbreak got sick from contact with the same type of animal. Investigators in Ohio collected samples from backyard poultry. WGS showed that the Salmonella Saintpaul found in these samples was the same strain as that found in sick people. Based on WGS, bacteria from 34 people's samples were predicted to be resistant to fosfomycin. Of these, 8 people's samples also predicted resistance to one or more of the following antibiotics: chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline. More information is available on the National Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring System website. @ https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/saintpaul-04-26/investigation.html
