When People Got Sick: Salmonella Outbreak, May 2026

For Everyone

Key points

Public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to contact with veiled chameleons. All sick people in this outbreak are children 2 years old or younger. Any reptile can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your pet veiled chameleon or any pet reptile.

Green, female veiled chameleon with baby chameleon on its back

When people got sick

This chart shows when the 5 children in this Salmonella outbreak got sick.

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 true number of sick people in this outbreak is also likely much higher than the number reported. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.