An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is underway following reports to the agency of Salmonella outbreaks linked to bearded dragons.
In a notice published by the agency, 15 cases of Salmonella illnesses linked to the reptilian pet across nine states (California, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, New York) have been reported. While no fatalities have occurred, four people are said to have been hospitalized.
Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their feces, according to the CDC. The germs can easily spread by handling the reptile or “anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs.”
Common symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which can be experienced by the infected up to six hours upon exposure to the bacteria. The CDC notifies the public to wash hands and keep things clean.
For more information, visit the CDC website.