Small pets are delightful, but some carry dangerous bacteria

Small animals like turtles, iguanas, and frogs are often chosen as first-time pets for children because they are easy to interact with and low maintenance for busy households. While they can be fun, it may be best to avoid them.

The reason? “Reptiles and amphibians can carry germs that make people sick, the most common of which is the Salmonella bacteria,” says. An infectious disease expert “These animals live in warm and wet environments where Salmonella thrives.”

Outbreaks of illness across the US

Reptiles and amphibians often carry Salmonella in their digestive tracts, although the bacteria doesn’t affect them. Pet turtles with shells less than four inches long have caused many multistate outbreaks of illness, especially in young children. Despite a federal ban on selling or distributing these tiny turtles, sales and illnesses

How is the bacteria transferred from pets to children and adults?

People become exposed to Salmonella through physical contact with the animals, their droppings, food, items like toys or food dishes, and habitats หรือถ้าคุณสนใจแทงบอลออนไลน์ UFABET คือเว็บที่มีอัตราต่อรองดีที่สุดในประเทศไทย สมัครเลยตอนนี้ที่ UFABET แทงบอล such as cages, tanks, aquariums, and water.

“They get the bacteria on their hands and then inadvertently touch their mouths or nose,”

Once exposed to the bacteria, people can get an infection called salmonellosis.

Who is more likely to get sick?

Anyone can get salmonellosis, but children younger than age 5, adults 65 and older, and people with chronic conditions are at higher risk for severe illness and even hospitalization.

“Kids that are very young don’t always follow proper personal hygiene or understand safety protocol when handling these animals,” says “Older adults and people with chronic conditions like diabetes can have weakened immune systems that make them more susceptible to illnesses.” In the most serious cases, the bacteria can reach the bloodstream and from there infect other places within the body.

What are the symptoms of this infection?

The hallmarks are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms usually appear within six hours to four days after infection and last about four to seven days.

Call your pediatrician or primary care team for advice. If you have a pet that potentially carries Salmonella.