I just found this information while doing some reading on the net. Is this true and how commen is it with reptiles here.
An estimated 3% of households in the United States own at least one reptile or amphibian. Reptiles, including turtles, lizards, and snakes, and amphibians can carry germs that make people sick. Of greatest importance is salmonellosis. An estimated 70,000 people get salmonellosis from contact with reptiles in the United States each year.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Children under 5 years old and people with weak immune systems (such as HIV/AIDS) should avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians. These people can get very sick from a germ, called Salmonella, that reptiles carry. Reptiles include lizards, snakes and turtles.
Salmonella Infection (salmonellosis): A bacterial disease associated with reptiles, including lizards, snakes, turtles, and tortoises.
Recommendations for preventing the transmission of Salmonella from Reptiles and Amphibians to Humans:- Pet-store owners, health-care providers, and veterinarians should provide information to owners and purchasers of reptiles and amphibians about the risks for and prevention of salmonellosis from these pets.
- Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications from salmonellosis (e.g. children under 5 years old and immune compromised persons) should avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians.
- Reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of households that include children aged 5 years and under or immune compromised persons. A family expecting a child should remove any pet reptile or amphibian from the home before the infant arrives.
- Reptiles and amphibians should not be allowed in child-care centers.
- Persons always should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reptiles and amphibians or their cages.
- Reptiles or amphibians should not be allowed to roam freely throughout a home or living area.
- Pet reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of kitchens and other food preparation areas. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles and amphibians or to wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.
- Reptiles and amphibians in public settings (e.g. zoos and exhibits) should be kept from direct or indirect contact with patrons except in designated animal contact areas equipped with adequate hand washing facilities. Food and drink should not be allowed in animal contact areas.
