2020 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Muenster Infections and Exposure to Pet Bearded Dragons
In the fall of 2020 the CDC and public health officials in several states investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Muenster infections linked to exposure to pet bearded dragons. A total of 18 outbreak associated cases were reported by 11 states. Eleven people were hospitalized. There were no deaths. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 29, 2020 to October 17, 2020. A common supplier of the dragons was not identified.
WGS analysis of 14 bacterial isolates from ill people did not predict any antibiotic resistance. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing by CDC's National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) of three isolates also showed no resistance.
On November 24, 2020 the outbreak was declared over.
Tags:
salmonellosis, muenster, Bearded Dragon, reptile, petOverview
| Outbreak began: | January 2020 |
|---|---|
| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | AR, ID, IL, MA, NH, NY, OH, PA, VA, WA |
| Pathogen: | Salmonella Muenster |
| Vehicle(s): | Animal Contact |
| Location(s): | Private Home |
| Molecular test results: | Not reported |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 18 |
|---|---|
| Number hospitalized: | 11 |