Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Hits 34 People Across 13 States, CDC Warns
At least 34 people across 13 states have gotten sick from drug-resistant salmonella, with more than half being children under age 5. The CDC says the outbreak is linked to contact with backyard chickens and other poultry.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning about a growing outbreak of drug-resistant salmonella that has sickened at least 34 people in 13 states. More than 40% of the cases involve children younger than 5 years old.
The bacteria samples from all 34 patients show resistance to at least one antibiotic normally used to treat salmonella infections. Some cases are resistant to four other common antibiotics, making treatment much more difficult.
Investigators have traced the outbreak to contact with backyard poultry like chickens, ducks, and other birds. People can get infected by touching the animals or their living areas, then not washing their hands properly.
Young children are especially vulnerable because they're more likely to put their hands in their mouths after touching animals. The CDC is also investigating a separate outbreak of seven cases linked to moringa powder capsules.
Salmonella usually causes fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. But drug-resistant strains can lead to more serious illness that requires hospitalization.
This salmonella doesn't respond to common antibiotics, making it harder to treat if you get severely sick. If you have backyard chickens or visit farms, you and your kids could be at risk for a dangerous infection.
CDC continues investigating the source and spread of both outbreaks across multiple states.
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