Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infantis Infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health and regulatory officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections linked to raw chicken products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is monitoring the outbreak. As of Oct. 17, 2018, 92 sick people have been reported from 29 states, including 21 people who have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that many types of raw chicken products from a variety of sources are contaminated with Salmonella and are making people sick. Testing shows that the outbreak strain of Salmonella is resistant to multiple antibiotics that may be used to treat people with severe Salmonella infection. CDC and USDA-FSIS have shared this information with representatives from the chicken industry and asked about steps that they may be taking to reduce Salmonella contamination. This investigation is ongoing and CDC will provide more information as it becomes available.