Water Frogs Update;Risk for Salmonella

As of April 18, 2011, a total of 216 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 41 states since April 1, 2009. 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. This breeding facility was first identified as the source of African dwarf frogs associated with human infections in 2010. Past information about this investigation in 2009-2010 can be found on the CDC Salmonella page.

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.

In late March 2011, local health department staff in California visited the frog breeder and collected environmental samples. These samples were tested in laboratories at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and at the California Department of Public Health Microbial Diseases Laboratory Branch, and most were positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium.

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 (e.g., aquarium or fish tank). Others who are at high risk and who should avoid contact with water frogs, their water, and their habitat include pregnant women and people who have weak immune systems, such as cancer patients and those undergoing

chemotherapy or organ transplants.

Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms
Most persons infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection 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. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection. More general information about Salmonella can be found here.

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