Multistate outbreak of human Salmonella Cotham

For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 24, 2014
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

CDC will host a media briefing to discuss 20 years of immunization with the VFC program and current measles cases and outbreaks.

As of April 21, 2014, a total of 132 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Cotham have been reported from 31 states since Feb. 21, 2012.
- 58 percent of ill persons are children 5 years of age or younger.
- 42 percent of ill persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Epidemiologic, laboratory, and trace-back findings have linked this outbreak of Salmonella infections to contact with pet bearded dragons purchased from multiple stores in different states.
- Bearded dragons are popular pet lizards that come in a variety of colors.
CDC’S NARMS laboratory conducted antibiotic resistance testing on Salmonella Cotham isolates collected from three ill persons infected with the outbreak strain.
- Of the three isolates collected from ill persons, one was resistant to ceftriaxone, an antibiotic used to treat serious Salmonella infections.
It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching reptiles or anything in the area where they live and roam.
- Simple tips on how to enjoy your pet reptile and protect yourself and your family from illness is available in English and en Español.