Cinnaminson, New Jersey, June 18, 2025
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided an update into the agency’s ongoing investigation of an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to pet geckos. At the time of the notice, 8 illnesses in 8 states had been reported.
The CDC warns that the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
“The agency goes on to share that it investigated an outbreak of the same strain of Salmonella linked to geckos back in 2015 and the Public Health Agency of Canada investigated an outbreak just last year,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “CDC cautions that geckos and other reptiles can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean, and that these germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam.”
edicated to helping to stop the spread of microbial pathogens are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With laboratories across North America, EMSL offers comprehensive infection control and environmental testing services for Salmonella, E. coli, and many other pathogens. This form of testing can not only help to prevent infections, it can also be instrumental in locating the source of an outbreak when one has already occurred.
EMSL sponsored an educational video about Salmonella exposure risks from pet reptiles and amphibians several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/IRJVx2_qGQM
To learn more about lead or other consumer product testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.