The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning about an outbreak of salmonella poisoning connected to a species of lizard often used as a pet.
In a notice published on Friday, the federal health agency reported 15 salmonella illnesses, four hospitalizations, and no deaths across nine states linked to pet bearded dragons.
The states impacted by the outbreak include California, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Iowa, Georgia, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.
“Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean,” the CDC said. “These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam.”
It warned that people can get sick from salmonella, a type of bacteria, by “touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing salmonella germs.”
People handing bearded dragons or touching their habitats should wash their hands with soap and water afterward, the agency said. People should also be advised not to kiss or cuddle with the lizard.
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Author: Marty Kaufmann
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