The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to bearded dragons in the United States. At least 15 people have been infected with the bacteria across nine states: New York, Ohio, California, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. Four of those affected required hospitalization but no deaths have been reported.
The CDC advises that bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even when appearing healthy. Contact between pet dragons and children under 5 years old should be avoided if possible due to the risk of illness. Nine out of the 15 infected individuals were preschoolers.
The outbreak strain is Salmonella Cotham, and health officials warn that the true number of sick people may be higher than reported as not all cases may have been identified or reported yet.
Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after exposure. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. However, children under 5 years old, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
The CDC advises that anyone handling bearded dragons or their habitats should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact. It is also recommended to avoid kissing or snuggling a bearded dragon, eating or drinking around them, and keeping them away from spaces where young children eat or play.
Bearded dragons are not recommended as pets for children under 5 years old, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems due to the risk of illnesses from reptiles. The CDC urges pet owners to keep their bearded dragons in dedicated enclosures and avoid allowing them to roam freely in areas used by babies or young children.
