ATLANTA, Georgia — Federal health officials are investigating a new multistate outbreak of extensively drug-resistant salmonella infections that has sickened people in seven states and has been linked to certain dietary supplement capsules sold nationwide online, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week.
The CDC said seven cases have been identified so far, including three hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Public health agencies in several states are working alongside the Food and Drug Administration to determine whether additional products may be involved.
Investigators traced the illnesses to specific lots of Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC. The affected products were sold in white plastic bottles with green labels and expiration dates in 2027, with lot codes printed on the bottom of the containers.
The capsules were available primarily through online marketplaces, including the company’s website, Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shein and eBay. Federal officials stressed this investigation is separate from a salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements examined earlier this year.
Although no government-mandated recall has been issued, the company has agreed to recall 52 affected lot codes. Health officials are urging consumers who have the capsules to stop using them immediately and either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
The CDC warned that the strain involved in the outbreak is resistant to all commonly recommended first-line and alternative antibiotics used to treat salmonella infections.
Federal health officials said the strain involved in this outbreak carries what is known as the NDM-1 gene, which allows the bacteria to produce an enzyme that can break down some of the strongest antibiotics available, including carbapenems, drugs often reserved as a last line of defense for serious infections. As a result, the bacteria may resist multiple commonly used treatments, limiting doctors’ options and requiring careful lab testing to determine which antibiotics, if any, will be effective.
Officials said one illness has been reported in each of the following states: Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and Washington. Most people infected with salmonella recover without treatment, but the drug resistance associated with this strain could complicate care for patients who require antibiotics.
Doctors are being advised to tailor treatment based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing and to consider consulting infectious disease specialists for severe or complicated cases.
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps beginning six hours to six days after exposure. Officials urge people to seek medical care for severe symptoms such as high fever, persistent or bloody diarrhea, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration.
