WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health officials are warning families with young children to avoid contact with pet chameleons and other reptiles after a multistate Salmonella outbreak sickened five children under the age of 2 across four states.
What This Means for You
- The CDC linked a Salmonella outbreak to contact with pet veiled chameleons.
- All reported illnesses involved children age 2 or younger.
- Health officials advise against reptiles as pets for children under 5, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said public health officials are continuing to investigate the outbreak, which has been traced to the same strain of Salmonella bacteria connected to pet veiled chameleons.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and, in severe cases, hospitalization.
According to the CDC, reptiles can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even when the animals appear healthy and clean. The bacteria can spread to the reptile’s skin, habitat, food dishes, and surrounding surfaces.
Health officials said people can become infected after touching a reptile or contaminated surfaces and then touching their mouth or food without properly washing their hands.
Young Children Face Higher Risk
The CDC said all known patients in the current outbreak are children younger than 2 years old.
Federal health officials emphasized that reptiles, including veiled chameleons, are not recommended as pets for children younger than 5 because young children are more likely to develop serious illness from Salmonella exposure.
Children, adults age 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness, according to the agency.
Safety Recommendations for Pet Owners
The CDC urged reptile owners to take several precautions to reduce the risk of illness.
Officials recommended washing hands thoroughly after handling reptiles or cleaning their habitats and before feeding or holding children.
The agency also advised people not to eat or drink while handling reptiles and recommended cleaning reptile supplies outdoors whenever possible.
If supplies must be cleaned indoors, officials said they should not be washed in kitchens or areas where food is prepared or consumed.
Guidance for Families Considering Reptile Pets
The CDC advised families with young children, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals to avoid keeping reptiles as pets because of the increased risk of infection.
Officials also warned owners not to release unwanted pet chameleons outdoors. Instead, they recommended contacting animal shelters, pet rescues, pet stores, or reptile rehoming organizations.
Most Salmonella infections develop within six hours to six days after exposure and typically last four to seven days, according to the CDC. While most people recover without treatment, some cases can become severe enough to require hospitalization.
The CDC investigation remains open.
More information about the outbreak and safety guidance is available at CDC Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Notice.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.