Reptiles and amphibians, including small turtles, lizards, snakes, and frogs, are becoming popular pets. Although it is against the law to sell small turtles with a shell that is less than 4 inches in length, they continue to be sold at flea markets and pet shops in various states.
Unfortunately, those pets can carry germs and can put young children at risk of getting salmonellosis -- a Salmonella infection.
Symptoms of Salmonella
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection usually begin one to three days after exposure to the Salmonella bacteria and can include diarrhea, crampy stomach pain, and fever. The diarrhea may be watery or may contain blood and mucus.
These symptoms usually go away without treatment in about a week, although they may linger for several weeks in newborns and younger infants or in children with immune system problems.
Treatment and Prevention
Antibiotics are not typically given to most children with Salmonella infections because they don't actually make their symptoms go away any faster and they may make the child be contagious longer.
That makes it important to try and avoid Salmonella infections, such as by:
- not having a reptile or amphibian in your home if you are expecting a new baby or have a child under age five years old at home
- always washing your hands with soap and water after handling a reptile or amphibian or their water bowl, cage or aquarium, and keeping them out of food preparation areas of your home
- avoiding other possible sources of Salmonella, including raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, or meat
- always washing your hands if you are around other animals
Sources: CDC. Healthy Pets Healthy People. Diseases from Reptiles. MMWR. July 6, 2007 / 56(26);649-652. Turtle-Associated Salmonellosis in Humans --- United States, 2006--2007.
