Is this true

[Logan & Allana]

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Reptiles and amphibians should not be allowed in child-care centers.
5. Persons always should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reptiles and amphibians or their cages.
6. Reptiles or amphibians should not be allowed to roam freely throughout a home or living area.
7. 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.
8. 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.

[chuck norris]

everything carrys germs and bad stuff. i wouldnt worry unless you have AIDs or anything.

[Logan & Allana]

lol nah I don't have AID but I do have children under five, so when I read this it got me a bit worried.

[moosenoose]

Sure is true. But it's common sense really when you think about it, the poor snake can't wash his hands when he goes to the lav!

[Sdaji]

You probably have more chance of getting sick from looking at another person than from licking a reptile. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. I either know a lot of people with extremely good immune systems or people like that are scaremongers. People, dogs, cats, birds, unwashed fruit, and mosquitoes are all much riskier to come into contact with than snakes and lizards. I worry more about unfiltered air and boogey men

[Logan & Allana]

lol ok, yeah that article made it sound really bad. And I love letting my BHP cruise around my house and it said in that article that was a big no no. Has anyone ever got sick from a reptile or something like that.

[falconboy]

Exactly, I mean, my dogs I have no doubt lick their backsides, then give me kisses - haven't been sick yet. Germs are everywhere, but thats why its actually important that when we are young we actually get sick, it builds our immune systems up, so every time we get a small amount of these germs we don't get sick. If you've ever used a public loo or eaten in a restaurant, you've probably been exposed to more germs than your reptile has.....

However, common sense does mean you should make sure you wash your hands after (and technically before!) you handle your reptile. I also carry a bottle of Aquim (alcohol based hand gel, no need for water), that I use if I handle anything to do with animals if I am not at home.

Since getting reptiles, I can say I am so sick of washing my hands, Its like I'm getting OC disorder! I can see why people get slack, but we can't.

[RevDaniel]

My son is 18 months ild. He loved reptiles more thsn I do I believe. He would be most unhappy if I was to never again let him hold a snake because of germs he might get from it.