NOTICE: The information on this page is no longer being updated and may have changed. The information is accurate only as of the last page update.
Update for December 16, 2009
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections. In the course of routine assessment, a number of cases with the same strain have been identified over many months.
New information in the investigation indicates the outbreak likely began in April, which is earlier than previously reported. An additional 26 ill persons infected with the outbreak strain between April and July have been identified and are now included in the overall number of reported individuals infected.Only four new recent illnesses have been reported since the previous web update on December 10. Investigations are still ongoing to see if the outbreak may have been occurring prior to April.
As of 11:59pm EST on December 15, 2009, 80 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 28 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), California (4), Colorado (4), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Idaho (1), Illinois (6), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (2), Michigan (4), Minnesota (1), Missouri (4), Mississippi (1), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (2), New Mexico (1), New York (2), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (4), South Dakota (3), Tennessee (3), Texas (3), Utah (13), Virginia (2), Washington (7) and Wisconsin (1).
Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between April 3, 2009 and November 21, 2009. Infected individuals range in age from <1 year old to 54 years old. Eighty percent (80%) of patients are younger than 10 years old and the median age is 4 years. Forty-nine percent (49%) of patients are female. Among the 44 patients with available information, 17 (39%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about contact with animals and foods consumed during the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of persons of similar age and gender previously reported to State Health Departments with other illnesses. Preliminary analysis of this study suggests contact with frogs, including water frogs such as African Dwarf Frogs, is a likely source of the infections. In addition, environmental samples taken from aquariums containing aquatic frogs in three homes of ill persons have yielded isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium matching the outbreak strain.
Persons who should avoid contact with amphibians and reptiles and their habitats (e.g., aquarium, fish tank, or terrarium)
Placement and maintenance of habitats
Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
More general information about Salmonella can be found here under Salmonella FAQs.
NOTICE: The information on this page is no longer being updated and may have changed. The information is accurate only as of the last page update.