Yet another aquarium pet has been tied to a Salmonella outbreak, the CDC says.
Water frogs -- particularly African Dwarf Frogs -- may be responsible for infecting 48 patients in 25 states with Salmonella typhimurium, according to government researchers.
They join a rogues' gallery that includes tiny turtles, which were tied to a 2007 outbreak of the disease as reported in Pediatrics in October. (See Little Turtles Tied To Salmonella Outbreak, Again)
The recent frog-borne illnesses began between June 24, 2009 and Nov. 14, 2009, with infected patients ranging from under a year old to age 54.
But the vast majority of patients -- 77% -- were under 10, with a median age of 4.
CDC says no deaths have been reported.
"Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections," the CDC said in a release.
The FDA also issued a statement reminding consumers that all amphibians (frogs, salamanders, and newts) and all reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes) have been linked to human Salmonella infections in the past.
CDC said that environmental samples taken from aquariums with water frogs in three homes of patients who have fallen ill have yielded isolates of Salmonella typhimurium matching the outbreak strain.
The agency recommended washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any pet amphibians or reptiles, and warned that children under 5 are at increased risk for serious infection from salmonellosis. Thus, they should avoid contact altogether.
Also, these pet habitats shouldn't be placed in kitchens or in kids' bedrooms, and the pets shouldn't be allowed to roam freely throughout the house.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and usually occur 12 to 72 hours after infection.