Lifestyles Breaking News

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Frogs tied to salmonella outbreak could still be in homes; tiny pets sickened almost 400

By: Lindsey Tanner, The Associated Press

Sunday, Mar. 10, 2013 at 11:09 PM | Comments: 0

HOLD FOR RELEASE AT 12:01 A.M., CDT, MONDAY, MARCH 11 - FILE - This Dec. 4, 2009 file photo provided by the Center for Disease Control shows an African dwarf tree frog. A government report released Monday, March 11, 2013, by Pediatrics says that African dwarf frogs can carry salmonella. A 2008-11 outbreak sickened nearly 400 people, mostly children. Since these miniature amphibians can live up to 18 years, some linked with the outbreak may remain in U.S. homes. Five outbreak-linked cases occurred last year. No one died. (AP Photo/Center for Disease Control, File)

CHICAGO - They live underwater, eat bloodworms, and are promoted on pet websites. But African dwarf frogs can carry salmonella.

An outbreak tied to the frogs sickened nearly 400 people, mostly children, from 2008 to 2011.

Since these miniature amphibians can live up to 18 years, some linked to the outbreak may remain in U.S. home aquariums. That's according to government researchers in a Monday report from the journal Pediatrics.

Five outbreak-linked cases also occurred last year. No one died.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises washing hands after touching the frogs' aquarium water and says young children should not clean aquariums.

The California breeder linked to the outbreak briefly suspended distribution and co-operated with authorities.

___

Pediatrics: http://www.pediatrics.org

___

AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/LindseyTanner

Rate this
This article has not yet been rated.

We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.

You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.

Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments

You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

There are no comments at the moment. Be the first to post a comment below.

Post Your Comment

The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.