African Dwarf Frogs that caused a nationwide Salmonella outbreak since April 2009 are back on sale again, reported the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The frogs may be sold in pet stores, toy stores, carnivals, and online stores. They’re shipped from California-based Blue Lobster Farms, whose African dwarf frog breeding facility was responsible for the nationwide outbreak.

In April, the company stopped shipping the frogs. However, they have resumed shipping in early June, reported the CDC.

At this time, it’s unclear if the frogs are free of Salmonella. Reports of illness from the outbreak continue, stated the CDC.

As of Jun. 18, 2011, 241 individuals in 42 states have been infected, although none have died. The vast majority of the infected individuals were young children (median age is 5 years old). Among the ill persons, 30 percent were hospitalized, reported CDC.

Individuals infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 72 hours of infection. The symptoms last 4 to 7 days.

Most of the individuals do not require medical treatment. However, severe diarrhea may require hospitalization. Moreover, if the infection spreads from the intestines to the blood stream, death can occur without prompt treatment.

To minimize chances of contracting the disease from African dwarf frogs, the CDC recommends washing hands after handling the frogs and their tanks and emptying the tank outside the home.

READ: African Dwarf Frogs that Spread Salmonella Selling Again: CDC

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