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African dwarf frogs linked to Salmonella infections in children
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A type of frog commonly kept in household aquariums has been linked to more than 200 Salmonella typhimurium infections during the past year, many of which occurred in children aged younger than 10 years, according to a report from the CDC.
Researchers from the California Department of Public Health said samples taken from households containing African dwarf frogs yielded the S. typhimurium outbreak strain. The investigation of 21 patients and two frog distributors identified a breeder in California as the common source of the frogs. According to the CDC, the breeder only sells to distributers, not directly to pet stores or the public, and public health officials are currently working with the breeder to implement control measures.
Seventy percent of the 223 patients infected were aged younger than 10 years. Although the researchers reported no mortalities associated with these infections, 37 patients had to be hospitalized. Sixty-five percent of patients interviewed reported contact with frogs in the week before illness. The researchers said the median time from touching the frog to illness onset was 15 days.
To prevent infection, the CDC urged that the public remain vigilant about the risk for Salmonella infections associated with keeping amphibians, including frogs, as pets.
“Persons at high risk for Salmonella infections, especially children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons, should avoid contact with frogs, water used by the frogs, and their habitats,” the researchers wrote.
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