Map Shows Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Across 13 States

A drug‑resistant strain of Salmonella Saintpaul has sickened at least 34 people across 13 states after exposure to backyard poultry, prompting a federal investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) has said.Children account for a significant share of cases, with CDC data showing more than four in 10 patients are under 5 years old. No deaths have been reported.Laboratory testing shows the outbreak strain may be resistant to key antibiotics. The CDC warns many more infections may be going undetected.Number of Sick People Is Likely HigherCDC investigators say their findings show that contact with backyard poultry is making people sick. Any backyard poultry—including chickens and ducks—can carry salmonella germs capable of causing illness.As of April 13, the CDC confirmed 34 infections. Illnesses began between late February and the end of March. Of the patients with available data, 13 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.The CDC cautioned that the outbreak may extend beyond the currently identified states. In its update, the agency said the true number of sick people is likely much higher than reported because many recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella. Recent infections may also not yet appear in official data, since it