CDC says the new Salmonella outbreak has been traced to bearded dragons

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports at least 15 people in nine states are involved have become ill from Salmonella linked to pet bearded dragons. Four people were hospitalized, but no deaths were reported.

New York has reported four cases, Ohio and California have each reported three patients, and Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia have each reported a single patient. The outbreak strain is Salmonella Cotham.

“The actual number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the reported number, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses,” the CDC’s outbreak announcement said.

Nine patients are preschoolers.

Sixty percent of sick people are children under the age of five.

“Bearded dragons are not recommended as pets for children under 5 years of age, adults 65 years of age or older, and people with weakened immune systems, as these people are more likely to develop serious illness from germs that reptiles carry” , according to the CDC.

Illnesses began on dates ranging from January 8, 2024 to May 16, 2024. Of the twelve people interviewed, seven reported contact with a bearded dragon before becoming ill. At least one child reported no contact, indicating that he or she was likely indirectly exposed at home.

The CDC warned that pet dragons can shed Salmonella through feces, even if they appear healthy. Contact between pet dragons and children 5 years of age and younger should be avoided if possible due to the risk of illness.