Don't kiss them; they're not princes
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From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.
Frogs are not princes, and they can cause sickness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's hearing about more people becoming ill because of pet frogs, especial African dwarf frogs. People have been getting salmonella, which can lead to diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps up to 72 hours after infection.
CDC investigator Shauna Mettee:
[Shauna Mettee speaks] ``Cases from more than 30 states have been identified since April 2009. This outbreak is primarily affecting young children.''
Mettee says exposure to water frogs and their habitats could cause illness, so people need to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after exposure. Children under 5, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid all contact.