Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? The emergence of rare multidrug-resistant Salmonella serovars is increasingly common in developing countries, posing a significant public health risk. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This report identified five rare Salmonella serovars in China for the first time and using whole-genome sequencing, identified their hidden spread among healthy individuals. Additionally, antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes were identified. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Healthy individuals, especially food handlers, may be sources of hidden Salmonella dissemination. Therefore, monitoring Salmonella prevalence in healthy individuals is important for understanding and managing the risks of foodborne illness.