At present the Facilities for Illness Management (CDC) stated no less than 15 individuals in 9 states have been sickened with Salmonella linked to pet bearded dragons. 4 individuals have required hospitalization, however no deaths have been reported.
New York has reported 4 instances, Ohio and California have every reported three instances, and Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia have every reported a single case.
“The true variety of sick individuals in an outbreak is probably going a lot larger than the quantity reported, and the outbreak is probably not restricted to the states with recognized diseases,” the CDC stated. The outbreak pressure is Salmonella Cotham.
9 sufferers are preschoolers
Sicknesses began on dates starting from January 8, 2024, to Might 16, 2024. Of the 12 individuals interviewed, 7 (58%) reported contact with a bearded dragon earlier than getting sick. Not less than one baby didn’t report contact, suggesting she or he was possible uncovered not directly at dwelling.
“60% of sick persons are kids below 5 years outdated,” the CDC stated in an e-mail to reporters. “Bearded dragons usually are not beneficial as pets for kids youthful than 5, adults aged 65 or older, and folks with weakened immune techniques as a result of these persons are extra prone to get a severe sickness from germs that reptiles carry.”
“Bearded dragons usually are not beneficial as pets for kids youthful than 5, adults aged 65 or older, and folks with weakened immune system
The CDC warned that pet dragons can shed Salmonella by way of feces even when showing wholesome. Contact between pet dragons and youngsters 5 and below needs to be averted if attainable due to the chance of sickness.
