United States: Though they can not breathe fire, bearded dragon lizards may spread Salmonella, an unwelcome infection in the United States. The number of cases has been increasing daily, reaching 15, which are related to bearded dragons.
Health Advisory Issued
So far the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention submitted a health caution on Friday, stating that 15 cases of salmonella infections are linked with these bearded dragons in nine states had been reported.
The government said that “four people have been hospitalized,” but no confirmed deaths have been associated with the scaly pets.
Vulnerable Groups Warned
With 60% of new cases recorded in children under the age of five, the risk is greatest for young children.
These infections may be more common in the very young and the elderly. Therefore, “bearded dragons are not recommended as pets for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems because these people are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that reptiles carry,” the CDC warned.
Infection Mechanism Explained
According to the agency, bearded dragons” can carry salmonella origins in their feces indeed if they look healthy and clean,” so you can not determine whether bone is infected just by looking at it.
Safety Recommendations
An infection generally occurs when someone handles or touches a lizard and also puts their hands in their mouth or on food.
Are you still considering taking a little dragon home? If you do, the CDC said to “wash your hands, play safely, and keep things clean” after handling the lizard and to ensure that children less than five do not handle your pet.
Keep your dragon in a cage and away from areas where little children may scuttle or crawl.
Symptoms and Treatment
Salmonella can cause a dangerous infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.”
A usual illness lasts four to seven days. Most individuals will heal on their own without medical intervention, but sometimes illnesses are so bad that hospitalization is necessary.