When one hears ‘Salmonella’ it is usually in relation to consumption of contaminated or undercooked food. Not surprising since Salmonella bacteria are the most frequently reported cause of foodborne illness. Every year, an estimated 42,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, many people may not know that Salmonella infection can happen from other sources, such as the feces of a beloved household pet. The CDC has just issued an investigation alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to bearded dragons, small reptiles that are often kept as exotic pets. Here are the details of the notice:
Cases and Impact
Fifteen cases of Salmonella illness associated with bearded dragons in nine different states have been reported to the CDC. The outbreak has led to four hospitalizations, although no deaths have been reported so far.
Notably, 60% of those who have fallen ill are children under the age of 5, highlighting the potential risks of keeping bearded dragons as pets for young children. Health authorities advise against keeping these reptiles as pets for children under 5, older adults aged 65 or above, and individuals with compromised immune systems, as they are more susceptible to serious illnesses from the bacteria that reptiles can carry.
Even if bearded dragons appear healthy and clean, they can harbor Salmonella bacteria in their droppings, posing a risk of infection. Human exposure to Salmonella can occur through direct contact with the reptile or its environment, followed by hand-to-mouth transmission when people inadvertently ingest the bacteria.
How To Stay Safe
To prevent the spread of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene practices when interacting with bearded dragons or caring for their living environments.
- Hand Hygiene – Make it a habit to thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, especially after handling bearded dragons, cleaning its enclosure, or before preparing food or eating. Proper hand-washing is essential to remove any potential contaminants.
- Supervised Interactions – Young children under the age of 5 should avoid direct contact with bearded dragons. For older children, ensure they wash their hands immediately after touching, handling, or feeding the reptile. Supervise all interactions between children and the pet to reinforce safe practices.
- Dedicated Living Space – Set up a designated bearded dragon enclosure or habitat for, separate from areas where infants or young children crawl, play, or spend time. Prevent the reptile from roaming freely in shared living spaces to minimize the risk of contamination.
Salmonella Health Risks
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria.
While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety lawyer said, “Along with following proper food safety practices, remember to prioritize hygiene and follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of Salmonella associated with bearded dragons and other household pets.”
