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Fact Sheet Series:
What is reptile-associated salmonellosis?
Reptile-associated salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella
bacteria that are acquired through contact with reptiles. During the 1970’s
there were large numbers of cases of salmonellosis associated with small
turtles, which lead to a ban on their sale and resulted in decreases in
salmonellosis cases. A recent trend toward owning imported reptiles,
especially iguanas and snakes, has resulted in increasing reports of
reptile-associated salmonellosis cases in the U.S.
Who gets reptile-associated salmonellosis?
Any person can get reptile-associated salmonellosis, but it is more
common in children, especially those under 3 years old.
What is special about reptiles and salmonellosis?
Most reptiles are carriers of Salmonella even though they seem
healthy. Antibiotic medication will not eliminate the bacteria in reptiles
and may result in Salmonella bacteria that become resistant to
antibiotics. When resistant bacteria are transferred to humans, the
treatment of serious infections becomes more difficult.
How serious is the problem of reptile-associated
salmonellosis?
Many states have reported Salmonella infection in persons who
had direct or indirect contact with a reptile. In some cases the bacteria
caused serious bloodstream infection, bone infection or invaded the
central nervous system requiring lengthy hospitalization and some cases
have been fatal in infants. The CDC estimates that there are between
50,000 to 80,000 cases of reptile-associated salmonellosis annually in the
U.S.
How are salmonella bacteria spread?
Reptile-associated salmonellosis bacteria are spread by direct or
indirect contact with fecal material from reptiles. The bacteria are also
commonly found on the skin of reptiles. It may be spread indirectly,
especially to children in the household, by handling the reptile or by
touching surfaces or objects that had come into contact with a reptile.
What are the symptoms of reptile-associated
salmonellosis?
People infected with Salmonella may experience mild to severe
diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and occasionally vomiting for several
days. Bloodstream infections can be life threatening, especially in very
young children, the elderly, or in persons with weakened immune systems.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear from 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but
usually within 18 to 36 hours after exposure.
Where is reptile-associated salmonellosis found?
There is a potential for reptile-associated salmonellosis to occur
wherever people are exposed to reptiles or to persons and surfaces that
were contaminated by reptiles. Any reptile can carry the Salmonella
bacteria.
For how long can an infected person shed Salmonella in
their stool?
The time period that a person can have Salmonella in their
stool (after symptoms cease) is variable, usually several days to several
weeks. During this time, the person can transmit the infection to others.
Less commonly, infected persons can carry Salmonella for months,
especially infants or people who have been treated with antibiotics. About
1% of infected adults and 5% of infected children under 5 years old shed Salmonella
in their stool for over a year.
What is the treatment for reptile-associated
salmonellosis?
Most people with salmonellosis will recover without antibiotic
treatment. In severe cases, fluids may be needed to prevent dehydration.
Antibiotics and anti-diarrheal drugs such as Immodium ® and
Lomotil ® are not recommended for persons with intestinal
infections. If Salmonella infection involves the blood or other
non-intestinal tissues, antibiotic therapy is indicated.
How can reptile-associated salmonellosis be prevented?
(Current CDC recommendations)
- Persons should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water
after handling reptiles or reptile cages.
- Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications of
salmonellosis (e.g., children less than 5 years old and persons with
weakened immune systems) should avoid contact with reptiles.
- Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children less than
5 years old or persons with weakened immune systems reside. Families
expecting a new child should remove the pet reptile from the home before
the infant arrives.
- Pet reptiles should not be kept in daycare centers.
- Pet reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home
or living area.
- Pet reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other food-preparation
areas to prevent contamination. Kitchen sinks should not be used to
bathe reptiles or wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If bathtubs
are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and
disinfected with bleach after use.
Pet store owners, veterinarians, and pediatricians should provide
information to owners and potential purchasers of reptiles about the risk
for acquiring salmonellosis from reptiles.
For more information, contact your
Local
Public Health Department
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Last Revised: March 20, 2008
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