Jefferson County Public Health advises residents that while kissing a frog in the movies may have a fairytale ending, in real life it is dangerous for your health. “The recently released film, ‘The Princess and the Frog’ might inspire some to kiss the first frog they see and we thought we’d remind everyone, that is not such a good idea,” said, JCPH Director, Dr. Mark Johnson, MD, MPH. Johnson explains, amphibians, such as frogs, as well as reptiles, (eg. Turtles, snakes) are commonly infected with Salmonella bacteria. Kissing a frog could very well lead to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps just 12 to 72 hours after the smooch. Infection with Salmonella bacteria or salmonellosis can last from 4 to 7 days. While most people recover without treatment, others may develop diarrhea so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. In some severe cases, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream.
Simple precautions go a long way toward preventing Salmonella infection from amphibians or reptiles.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any amphibian (e.g., frog) or reptile (e.g, turtle), their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with them or their housing. Adults should assist young children with hand washing.
- Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Call your health care provider if you or a family member has any of these symptoms.
- Persons at increased risk for serious infection from salmonellosis are children < 5 years old, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems.
- These persons should avoid contact with amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) and anything that comes in contact with them (e.g., aquarium, habitat, and water).
- Keep amphibians and reptiles out of homes with children < 5 years old or people with weakened immune systems.
Habitat Placement and Maintenance
- Amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) should not be kept in child-care centers.
- Habitats containing amphibians or reptiles should not be kept in a child’s bedroom, especially children aged < 5 years.
- Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.
- Keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared or served to prevent contamination.
- Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the home. Use disposable gloves when cleaning and do not dispose of water in sinks used for food preparation or for obtaining drinking water.
- Do not bathe animals or their habitats in your kitchen sink. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be thoroughly cleaned afterward. Use bleach to disinfect a tub or other place where reptile or amphibian habitats are cleaned.
- Children aged <5 years should not clean habitats.
- Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning habitats.
For more information, contact Jim Dale DVM, MPH Director Environmental Health Services, 303-271-5700.
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