Salmonella is a bacterial infection. According to the CDC, people infected with salmonella usually develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4-7 days. Chidren are at the highest risk of salmonella infections.
Most recover without treatment, however severe infections can spread to the blood, requiring hospitalization and antibiotics. Young children, the elderly and immunocompromised persons are at greatest risk of developing a severe illness. Complications from severe infections can include a type arthritis, and in some situations, death.
African dwarf frogs, a popular type of water frog sold as a pet, have been linked to salmonella infections in children. Between 2008 and 2011, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) discovered 376 cases of salmonella linked to these pet frogs. The large majority of patients sickened with salmonella were under the age of 10, and 29% of these patients were hospitalized. The results were published in Pediatrics.
When the researchers interviewed the patients who were sickened with salmonella, many reported exposure to a frog the week before the onset of symptoms. However, only 27% of interviewed patients reported that they actually touched the frog. Most patients reported that they may have been exposed to the aquarium water. The researchers believe that perhaps the patients came in contact with the water and then contaminated themselves by eating or preparing food.
The CDC recommends that children under the age of 5 should not be exposed to these small water frogs. Children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk of having a severe infection from salmonella. They should not touch the frogs, and they should not come in contact with their water or their tanks. They should also never be involved in the cleaning of their aquariums or tanks.
The specific frog associated with this outbreak was linked to a breeding facility in Madera County, California. However, exposure to reptiles (eg, turtles); amphibians (eg, frogs); and chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry can increase your risk of a salmonella infection. It is important that you are aware of these risks when you choose your next family pet.
The advice provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.
Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/, Pediatrics