Salmonella Outbreak Linked to African Dwarf Frogs Sickens 216

Posted on April 22, 2011

The CDC is reporting that African dwarf frogs have been identified as the source of an outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium. 216 individuals, primarily children, have been sickened so far in 41 states. Here are some highlights from the report:

These infections are associated with contact with water frogs, specifically African dwarf frogs.
A single water frog breeder in California has been identified as the source of African dwarf frogs associated with human infections.
Testing conducted by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center Laboratory of a water sample collected in March 2011 from an aquarium containing African dwarf frogs in the household of a sick infant identified the outbreak strain.

CDC is warning parents that children under 5 years old are at high risk for serious Salmonella infections and should avoid contact with water frogs, their water, and their habitat. Pregnant women and people who have weak immune systems are also at a bigger risk and should avoid contact with the frogs.

Oregon Live also has a good report on the outbreak.