FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo issued a statement Friday after a recent visitor claimed to have contracted an infection from the stingray touch tank.
The visitor contracted a skin infection, with suspected bacterium Mycobacterium marinum, which is very common in aquatic environments, including pools, fresh water, salt water and fish tanks.
Although, staff veterinarian Dr. Kami Fox says the bacterium rarely causes issues with humans or fish.
The incident is isolated, as there are no other known incidents of bacterial infection with staff, visitors or stingrays.
The zoo encourages all visitors to wash their hands before and after touching stingrays, or any animals, and to avoid all contact if there are any breaks or cuts in the skin.
Mycobacterium marinum is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.