African Dwarf Frogs that Spread Salmonella Selling Again: CDC

African dwarf frogs are being sold again, reported the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The scavenger frogs, who eat anything living, dying or dead, were responsible for a nationwide Salmonella outbreak since April 2009.

African dwarf frogs can be sold in pet stores, carnivals, and online again. The small aquatic frogs are shipped from California-based Blue Lobster Farms, the same frog breeding facility that prompted the outbreak.

The company ceased shipment of African dwarf frogs in April and shipment was restarted in June, said the CDC. The CDC also said that it is unclear if the frogs are Salmonella-free and reports of illness continue.

241 individuals have contracted the illness as of Jun. 18, 2011. No deaths have been reported.

Children are most prone to the illness and most of the infected were young children, with a median age of 5 years old. Other groups at increased risk are pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and organ transplant recipients. According to the CDC, thirty percent of all patients were hospitalized.

Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps and symptoms present within 72 hours of infection.

Most infected individuals do not require medical treatment but severe diarrhea may require hospitalization.

The CDC said that people handling African dwarf frogs should wash hands after contact and empty tanks outside of their homes.