Dual Salmonella Threats Spark Federal Health Alerts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigates backyard poultry-linked outbreak across 6 states, while FDA issues tomato recall over separate contamination concerns.
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Federal and state health officials are investigating a Salmonella Mbandaka outbreak linked to contact with backyard poultry that has sickened seven individuals across six states. As of April 24, 2025, cases have been reported in Utah (1), South Dakota (1), Wisconsin (1), Illinois (1), Missouri (2), and Florida (1). Illnesses occurred between February 9 and March 24. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that the true number of infections is likely higher, as many people recover at home without seeking medical care or laboratory confirmation.1
Among those with known exposure history, five out of seven (71%) reported direct contact with backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks. Of the four individuals who provided purchasing information, two obtained birds from agricultural retail stores. Traceback investigations are ongoing and include hatcheries previously linked to past Salmonella outbreaks.1
Laboratory testing, including whole genome sequencing (WGS), revealed that clinical and environmental isolates were closely related genetically, indicating a common source of infection. One environmental sample from a poultry shipping box matched the outbreak strain. WGS did not detect antimicrobial resistance in six patient samples or the environmental sample. However, one individual’s isolate exhibited resistance to gentamicin, streptomycin, and tetracycline.1
The infected individuals ranged in age from under 1 year to 55 years, with a median age of 5 years. Forty-three percent (3 of 7) were children under the age of 5. Among the five patients for whom demographic data were available, 57% were female, 100% were White, and 83% (5 of 6) identified as non-Hispanic.1
The CDC urges clinicians to remain vigilant for Salmonella infections, particularly in children with recent exposure to backyard poultry. While most cases resolve without antibiotics, treatment should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility data when indicated. The agency continues to collaborate with hatcheries and retailers to implement control measures and educate poultry owners.1
Salmonella symptoms typically develop 12 to 72 hours after exposure and may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, lasting 4 to 7 days. Young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at elevated risk for severe illness.2
In a separate and unrelated incident, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a voluntary recall of tomatoes potentially contaminated with Salmonella. On May 3, 2025, Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, recalled its 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes after a Florida supplier identified a possible contamination risk. The affected tomatoes were packaged in 20-ounce (567g) clamshell containers and bear the UPC code 7 96553 20062 1. The recalled lots are labeled RM250424 15250B and RM250427 15250B. These products were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores across eleven states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. As of this update, no illnesses have been linked to the recalled tomatoes.3
