Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pet-Bearded Dragon, CDC Says

While they are deemed as not so cuddly, bearded dragons are allegedly tranquil family pets who like spending time with their people by going on walks, exploring the house, and cuddling up on the sofa. Owners describe them as charming, colorful, and possessing a variety of unique characteristics. Despite their beneficial qualities, bearded dragons may contain infections that might make one sick.

Previous Outbreak Thursday blogs have discussed animal-associated Salmonella outbreaks, such as those connected to backyard chickens and small turtles. This week's Epidemic Thursday will cover the CDC's investigation of a multistate Salmonella Uganda outbreak connected to home bearded dragons, as well as tips for staying healthy around our reptile pets, as reported by CBS News.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking into a multistate Salmonella Uganda epidemic that has resulted in 44 illnesses as of January 11, 2022. There have been 15 hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported. A total of 25 states have reported infections. The investigation is ongoing as the CDC seeks to discover other potential cases, especially because determining whether a person was infected by an epidemic can take 2 to 4 weeks.

The Outbreak of Salmonella in Uganda

Salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach pains in the digestive system. Symptoms might appear anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after infection and can continue anywhere from 4 to 7 days. Most patients recover without therapy; however, antibiotics and hospitalization may be required in severe situations, according to Forbes.

CDC added in a report that, on December 24, 2020, the first Salmonella Uganda case was recorded. Since then, 44 persons have been infected: 27 females (63%), with a median age of 27, and 8 children under the age of five. There have been no deaths recorded. CDC scientists examined 33 persons, and 21 (64%) said they owned or had contact with bearded dragons or their supplies.

The CDC used its PulseNet surveillance system and whole genome sequencing to identify bearded dragons as the common cause of this epidemic (WGS). WGS creates genetic fingerprints of bacteria that cause gastrointestinal ailments, providing more detailed data for spotting outbreaks and connecting cases. WGS discovered genetic similarities between samples of afflicted people throughout this epidemic study, indicating that they were ill from the same source.

Bearded Dragon as a Pet

Salmonella outbreaks have been connected to bearded dragons in the past, notably a Salmonella Muenster epidemic in 2020 that affected 18 persons across 11 states. The outbreak strain discovered in patient samples, like the current inquiry, was also detected in a bearded dragon and its surroundings in the household of an affected individual. In interviews, 11 of the 16 people who became ill said they had interaction with a bearded dragon before falling unwell. Pets were acquired by sick people from pet stores around the country, however, no common supply was found.

Bearded dragons, while seeming healthy and clean, can contain Salmonella and other infections in their droppings. These pathogens can then proliferate throughout their bodies and their surroundings, creating possibilities for human transmission.

If one is thinking about getting a real pet bearded dragon, keep in mind that this calm-tempered, multicolored creature may not be suitable for all homes. Kids under the age of five, as well as people older than 65, are more prone to become very ill from viruses carried by this animal. As a result, homes with small children or elderly people should pay special attention to the importance of washing hands after handling these living creatures, and consider alternative pets.

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