The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued a warning report. They have revealed that bearded dragons increase the risk of salmonella infection. They have published this warning report because 15 adults have got infected with salmonella in nine states. Four of these people were hospitalized.
They did not report any deaths among these people. But the CDC warns that children under the age of 5 are at a higher risk. Because 60% of these cases were reported in young children. They have also revealed that the risk is also higher for those people who are old and with weak immune systems.
The CDC suggests that people should not keep bearded dragons as pets for under the age of 5, adults over 65 and people with weak immune systems. It is very important to understand that bearded dragons can carry salmonella bacteria in their waste even if they look healthy and clean.
People usually get infected with salmonella when they handle lizards and then they touch their mouth or food. So, the CDC suggests that people should wash their hands when they handle them, play safely and keep things clean when they come in contact with bearded dragons.
The CDC has also suggested that people should keep lizards in their own cages. They should keep them away from places where kids crawl and play.
People should be very careful if they have bearded dragons at home. They should make some effective strategies like keeping them away and washing their hands every time they handle them.
The salmonella infection has some common symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and stomach. If a person is exposed to the bacteria, then that person usually gets these symptoms 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most people do not need any treatment as they recover without any treatment. But some severe cases may require medical care. So, people who have these symptoms should be very careful. They should visit hospitals before any delay.
