Health officials warn of deadly bacteria lurking in household pets after 1 death and 6 hospitalizations
A quiet danger is being identified in American homes, one linked to a beloved pet: the bearded dragon. Health officials report this has already resulted in hospitalizations and one death, highlighting a surprising source of illness.
Across eleven states, people began reporting consistent symptoms like stomach pain, fever, and fatigue. The common cause was traced back to pet bearded dragons. By early November, 17 individuals had become sick, with six requiring hospitalization and one tragic fatality.
This news is particularly unsettling as pets are often considered family. We care for them intimately, but health experts caution that even reptiles appearing perfectly healthy can be carriers of Salmonella.
The CDC explicitly warns that healthy-looking reptiles can harbor this bacteria. It spreads from their droppings to their skin, habitat, and any surfaces they contact. Transmission can occur from simple affection or forgetting to wash hands.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, including diarrhea, cramps, and fever, can manifest within hours. While many recover without hospital care, the infection poses a severe threat to infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
To ensure safety, officials recommend rigorous hygiene: washing hands thoroughly after handling, cleaning reptile supplies outside, and avoiding kitchen sinks for this task. They also advise against kissing or cuddling the animals.
For households with vulnerable members, a reptile may not be the safest pet. However, with diligent precautions, families can manage the risks, allowing them to protect their health while still enjoying the companionship of their pet.
