Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/saintpaul-04-26/investigation.html
Investigation Update: Salmonella Outbreak, April 2026
Apr. 23, 2026
For Everyone
Key points
Public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry. Any backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your flock.
Yellow duckling standing on straw.
Latest Update: April 23, 2026
CDC and public health officials in several states are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections.
Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory data show that contact with backyard poultry is making people sick.
Epidemiologic Data
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.
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. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Demographics
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the animals they had contact with in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the animals they came into contact with in the week before they got sick. Of the 29 people interviewed, 23 (79%) reported contact with backyard poultry...
Traceback data
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...
Investigation Update: Salmonella Outbreak, April 2026
Apr. 23, 2026
For Everyone
Key points
Public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry. Any backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your flock.
Yellow duckling standing on straw.
Latest Update: April 23, 2026
CDC and public health officials in several states are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections.
Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory data show that contact with backyard poultry is making people sick.
Epidemiologic Data
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.
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. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Demographics
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the animals they had contact with in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the animals they came into contact with in the week before they got sick. Of the 29 people interviewed, 23 (79%) reported contact with backyard poultry...
Traceback data
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...