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http://www.kctv5.com/health/21891424/detail.html

ATLANTA -- Pet frogs are being blamed for a national salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 48 people.

The illnesses occurred from June through November, with reports coming in from 25 states. Health officials investigating the illnesses found that many of the people said they'd been in contact with frogs such as the African dwarf frog. The salmonella strain was found in aquariums with frogs in three homes where illnesses occurred.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the outbreak Monday.

Pet reptiles have been fingered as a source of salmonella infection before. At least 107 people were sickened in a recent outbreak blamed on turtles.

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typh1209/index.html

Investigation Announcement: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs

Persons Infected with the Outbreak Strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, United States, by State, June 24, 2009 to November 14, 2009


Click map to view a larger image.
Infections with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, by week of illness onset (n=48 for whom information was reported as of 12/7/09)


Click graph to view a larger image.

Update for December 07, 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.

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Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms

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.

Entire article available at link above.