What to know
- Presentation Day/Time: Friday, April 25, 10:55 am–12:20 pm
- Presenter: Rochelle Medford, DVM, MPH, EIS officer assigned to the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases
What did we do?
- We analyzed exposure and prevention behavior data from multistate zoonotic salmonellosis outbreaks with a confirmed reptile source in the System for Enteric Disease Response, Investigation, and Coordination during 2022–2024.
- We calculated the proportion of patients reporting indirect contact (i.e.. contact with reptile supplies or presence of reptile in the household without direct contact) by age group, and hand hygiene practices across all ages.
What did we find?
- Among six outbreaks with a confirmed reptile source, four were linked to turtles and two to bearded dragons.
- Of 112 patients with reptile exposure, 67 (60%) reported direct contact and 45 (40%) reported indirect contact.
- Salmonella transmission via indirect contact with reptiles is highest among infants and decreases with age; illnesses occur despite high reports of hand hygiene practices.
Why does it matter?
- Zoonotic enteric infections cause approximately 450,000 U.S. illnesses annually.
- Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) outbreaks disproportionately affect young children, including infants (aged ≤1 year), who are at increased risk for severe illness.
- Indirect contact to reptiles via exposure to contaminated objects or surfaces might be a mode of transmission that is overlooked by infant caregivers.
- We encourage promoting awareness about infant RAS and indirect contact risks among trusted messengers of parents and caregivers, including pediatricians, veterinarians, and reptile breeders and retailers.
Abstract Category: Salmonella