Pet Frogs Linked to Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

A latest study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautions parents about the African dwarf frog, which is popular as a pet.

A three-year survey conducted by CDC between 2008 and 2011 has linked the outbreak of Salmonella to an exposure to aquatic pet frogs.

The researchers considered 376 cases of Salmonella infections in children from 44 different states. Out of them, 69 percent were below 10 years of age. The researchers interviewed 114 patients and they found nearly 60 percent of the patients reported being exposed to aquatic pet frogs. Of those who knew the type of frogs, 79 percent of them reported exposure to African Dwarf Frog (ADF).

"This was the first Salmonella outbreak associated with aquatic frogs, and in this case the frogs are often marketed as good pets for kids," Shauna Mettee Zarecki, the study's lead author from the CDC in Atlanta, was quoted as saying in Reuters. "The majority of people didn't realize there were any risks from these amphibians or reptiles, like turtles and snakes."

Prior to this, a research study had found that reptiles and amphibians caused 74,000 Salmonella infections every year. This is because reptiles and amphibians carry disease-causing bacteria. Humans come in contact with the bacteria while washing the pet containers or through contaminated water, as the germs shed in the droppings of the reptiles and amphibians can easily contaminate the water where they live, reports Reuters.

Through this study, the researchers emphasize the fact that people should consider washing the aquarium or pet container outside the house rather than using the kitchen sink where they clean their home utensils. They advise to avoid keeping them as pets if the family has a child below 5 years, as they are easily susceptible to the outbreak.

Salmonella causes stomach cramps, fever and diarrhea for several days. People generally recover after a week but in some severe cases, people need to be hospitalized.