
Fifty-six percent of ill people were female. Six ill people are children under 5 years of age. Ill people ranged in age from less than 1 year to 76 years, with a median age of 26 years. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 29, 2020, to October 17, 2020.
A list of the states and the number of cases in each can be found on the Map of Reported Cases page. This means that people in this outbreak were more likely to share a common source of infection.Īs of November 20, 2020, a total of 18 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Muenster were reported from 11 states. In this investigation, WGS showed that bacteria isolated from ill people were closely related genetically. WGS gives investigators detailed information about the bacteria causing illness. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of these sequences that are used to identify possible outbreaks. DNA fingerprinting is performed on Salmonella bacteria isolated from ill people by using a standardized laboratory and data analysis method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). PulseNet is the national subtyping network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by CDC. Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak.
Bearded dragons and other reptiles are not recommended for children under 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems because they are more likely to get serious illness from germs that reptiles can carry.ĬDC and public health officials in several states investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Muenster infections linked to bearded dragons. Use a laundry sink or bathtub, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area right after. If you clean these items indoors, don’t clean them in the kitchen or other areas where you eat or prepare food. Items you use to care for it may include tanks, food and water containers, and toys. Clean items you use to care for your bearded dragon outside the house, if possible. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food. These actions can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Don’t kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, or eat or drink around it. Adults should make sure young children are washing their hands properly. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding your bearded dragon and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams. Take these steps to stay healthy around bearded dragons: You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or face and swallowing Salmonella germs. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, habitats, and anything in the area where they live. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean.