Wash Your Hands After That Turtle: Reptiles and Amphibians Carry Salmonella, and CDC Says They Are Not for Children Under 5
Reptiles such as snakes, lizards and turtles, and amphibians such as frogs and toads, can sometimes carry germs that make people sick, with illnesses ranging from fever to serious diarrhea, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns. The animals can carry germs even when they look healthy and clean; germs are shed in their droppings and contaminate their bodies and anything in their habitats, and spread to people who touch the animals or habitat items.
Choosing the right pet comes first. CDC says reptiles and amphibians are not recommended for children under 5 years old, adults over 65, or people with weakened immune systems, because they face a greater risk of serious illness. One rule is written into law: small turtles with a shell length under 4 inches are illegal to sell and own in the United States because they are likely to cause Salmonella infection, especially in children.
Handwashing is the core habit. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching, feeding or caring for these pets or cleaning their habitats, with adults supervising young children; if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer until a proper wash is possible.
Placement and play matter too: keep reptiles and amphibians out of kitchens and food areas, do not let them roam free in the home, do not kiss, snuggle or hold them close to the face, and do not eat or drink around them. Clean habitats and supplies outside the house when possible, or in a laundry sink or bathtub that is cleaned and disinfected right after. (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：一只乌龟在水族箱中。Wikimedia Commons 图片（Public Domain）。 / Photo: A turtle at an aquarium. Image via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).
