Salmonella cases in 25 states linked to contact with popular pet reptile. What to know
Don’t snuggle with your pet bearded dragon, officials warn.
The popular pet reptiles have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened dozens of people in 25 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who fell ill reported getting sick between December 2020 and December 2021.
As of Jan. 11, officials said at least 44 salmonella cases have been tied to contact with bearded dragons. Of those people, 15 were hospitalized and no one died.
“The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the CDC said on its website. “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 2 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
The most salmonella cases were reported in Washington and Wisconsin with four each. Other affected states include California, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Missouri and Texas.
The investigation into the outbreak was listed as “active” as of Jan. 12.
Here’s what else to know about how salmonella spreads and what signs to look out for.
How can you stay healthy?
Reptiles and amphibians live in millions of U.S. homes, but they have the potential to carry germs that can spread to people.
That includes salmonella, which the CDC says is found in the digestive system of healthy reptiles.
“You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth and swallowing Salmonella germs,” health officials said on Jan. 11.
To help stay healthy, the CDC encourages reptile owners to take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands immediately after touching your pet or coming into contact with its living space.
- Don’t eat, drink or keep food near your pet.
- Clean your pet’s supplies outside, if possible.
- Avoid kissing or snuggling with your pet.
- Keep your pet from biting or scratching you.
“Bearded dragons and other reptiles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems,” officials said. “These people are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that reptiles can carry.”
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can infect people and make them sick.
Some signs that you may have been exposed include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
“Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days,” according to the CDC. “However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks.”
In addition to spreading from animals, people can also transmit salmonella to others. Contaminated food is the most common source of the estimated 1.35 million U.S. infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths each year, so people are urged to store and prepare meals properly.
This story was originally published January 12, 2022 at 6:16 AM with the headline "Salmonella cases in 25 states linked to contact with popular pet reptile. What to know."
