CDC and public health officials in several states investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Cotham infection associated with contact pet bearded dragons.

As of December 10, 2024, a total of 27 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Cotham were reported from 13 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 8, 2024, to October 31, 2024. Ten cases were hospitalized. No one died.

State and local public health officials interviewed people about the animals they came into contact with during the week before they got sick. Of the 25 people interviewed, 17 (68%) reported contact with a bearded dragon and 1 (4%) reported contact with a lizard before getting sick.

Investigators in Alabama and Minnesota collected samples from bearded dragons in the shared environments of sick people. WGS showed that the Salmonella Cotham found in these samples are the same strain as the one found in sick people.

The outbreak was declared over on December 10, 2024.