Lizards, snakes, frogs, turtles and other reptiles and amphibians are a risk

CDC FROM MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY REPORT

The CDC estimates that exposure to reptiles and amphibians accounts for 74,000 cases of Salmonella infections in the U.S. each year. Such cases account for about 6 percent of the estimated 1.2 million annual cases of Salmonella in the U.S.

Salmonella infects the gastrointestinal system, leading to cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Most people recover on their own, but in rare cases, salmonella infection can cause serious, occasionally fatal, complications. Young children and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for serious complications, according to the CDC.

Young children and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for serious complications, according to the CDC.

1. To prevent the spread of Salmonella, reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of homes with children younger than five years old and people with weakened immune systems
2. Snakes, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians should not be kept in child-care centers.
3. Pet-store owners, health-care providers and veterinarians provide information about the potential risks of these pets.
4. People should always wash their hands thoroughly after handling reptiles and amphibians
5. Reptiles and amphibians should not be allowed to roam throughout the house
6. Always should be kept out of the kitchen
7. Reptiles and amphibians should never be washed in the kitchen sink, and bathtubs should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after cleaning animals or their cages

Also the CDC, recommends that in public settings, such as zoos, lizards and reptiles should only be handled by the public if there are adequate hand-washing facilities nearby.

Keep Tots Away from Reptiles, & Amphibians!