Salmonella is a common bacterial infection affecting the intestinal tract. These bacteria naturally reside in the intestines of various animals and humans, and are shed through their stool. Many animals, including reptiles like lizards, can carry Salmonella without showing signs of illness. Understanding the link between lizards and human infection is important for pet owners and the public.
Lizards and Salmonella Transmission
Lizards frequently carry Salmonella bacteria in their digestive systems. These bacteria are often shed in their feces, even if the lizard appears healthy. This shedding contaminates the lizard’s skin, its enclosure, and anything in its environment. Humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with the lizard or its contaminated surroundings.
Infection typically occurs when a person touches a lizard, its waste, or items from its habitat, then inadvertently touches their mouth or food before washing their hands. For example, infants have been infected after bottles were contaminated by unwashed hands that had touched a reptile. The bacteria must be ingested to cause illness; simply holding a lizard will not lead to infection unless contaminated material is transferred to the mouth.
Recognizing Salmonella Symptoms
When humans contract Salmonella, symptoms generally appear within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. These include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, chills, or a headache.
The illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days, and most healthy people recover without specific medical treatment. However, severe diarrhea can cause dehydration, requiring prompt medical attention. While often mild, Salmonella infection can occasionally spread to the bloodstream or other organs, leading to more serious conditions that may require hospitalization.
Safe Handling Practices
Practicing good hygiene is crucial to minimize the risk of Salmonella transmission from lizards. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after touching a lizard, its enclosure, or any items within its habitat. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until proper washing can occur. It is advisable to supervise children closely to ensure they wash their hands properly after any interaction with reptiles.
Avoid kissing or cuddling reptiles, and do not allow them near your face or mouth. Keep lizards and their equipment away from areas where food is prepared, served, or eaten, such as kitchen counters and dining tables. Cleaning reptile habitats should not be done in kitchen sinks or bathtubs used by people; instead, use a dedicated bin or clean the enclosure outdoors. Dispose of waste water and droppings from your reptile down the toilet, not in sinks.
Elevated Risk Groups
Certain groups face a higher risk of severe Salmonella infections if exposed. This includes young children, especially those under 5, and infants. Their developing immune systems are less equipped to fight infections, and they are more likely to put contaminated objects in their mouths. For this reason, households with young children often receive recommendations to avoid keeping reptiles as pets.
Older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, are also at an increased risk for more serious illness. Individuals with weakened immune systems are highly vulnerable. This includes people with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplantation. These individuals have a reduced ability to combat infections, making the consequences of Salmonella exposure potentially more severe.