WASHINGTON DC – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reminding pet owners that contact with some lizards may directly lead to illness and hospitalizations. The Bearded Dragon will carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean, and those germs can spread to their bodies and their living environment. In the last year 44 illnesses have been reported in 25 states due to Salmonella infections from pet Bearded Dragons. They advise that you always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding your bearded dragon and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams. Bearded dragons and other reptiles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. These people are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that reptiles can carry.
Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
Some people – especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems – may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
