Latest News About Drug Resistant Salmonella

Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting.

• What’s happening: There are ongoing multi-state outbreaks of drug-resistant salmonella in the United States, with cases linked to backyard poultry in several reports from 2026. Authorities note that the implicated strains may be resistant to one or more antibiotics commonly used to treat Salmonella infections, and some patients have required hospitalization.
• Who is affected: In these 2026 outbreaks, children under five are disproportionately affected, though cases span a range of ages across multiple states.
• Antibiotic resistance details: The CDC has highlighted resistance to antibiotics such as fosfomycin and, in some instances, other first-line antibiotics used to treat Salmonella infections, complicating treatment for severe cases.
• Transmission factors: Several outbreaks have been connected to contact with backyard poultry, including chickens and other birds kept as pets, underscoring the need for strict hygiene and careful handling.

What you can do now

• If you or someone you know has gastroenteritis symptoms (diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps) after contact with poultry or other animals, seek medical care and mention potential antibiotic resistance to guide treatment.
• Practice strict hand hygiene after handling animals or animal environments, and avoid kissing or close face-to-face contact with poultry.
• If you’re managing food safety: cook foods thoroughly, avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs or poultry, and keep kitchen surfaces clean to reduce cross-contamination.

Would you like a brief, cited news digest with the most recent public-health statements from the CDC or UK equivalents, or a summary focused on prevention in households with backyard poultry? I can tailor to your location in London if you want UK-specific updates.