Cold-blooded pet may be linked to Salmonella outbreaks, CDC says

(WTAJ) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Friday that pet bearded dragons might be linked to Salmonella outbreaks in nine states.

The CDC said the reptiles can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings evening if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything they touch.

Humans can get sick from touching bearded dragons or anything in their environment followed by touching your mouth or food and then swallowing the germs.

There have been 15 recent illnesses reported across California, Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, including four hospitalizations.

Most people who are infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days. However, some people — especially young children and adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems — may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

So, how can you stay healthy if you have a pet bearded dragon? The CDC provided a handful of suggestions:

WASH YOUR HANDS

• Always wash your thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding a bearded dragon and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams.
• Always wash your hands right after handling a bearded dragon and especially before holding or feeding a baby or a child under 5.
• Make sure children younger than 5 avoid contact with a bearded dragon and older children wash their hands after touching or feeding one.

PLAY SAFELY

• Don’t kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don’t eat or drink around it. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.
• Have a dedicated enclosure. Don’t allow bearded dragons to roam in the same spaces where a baby or young children crawl and play.
• Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.

KEEP THINGS CLEAN

• Clean supplies outside, if possible. This includes feeders, toys, and food and water containers.
• If you must clean supplies indoors, don’t clean them in the kitchen or other areas where you eat or prepare food. Use a laundry sink or bathtub, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area right after.