Salmonella
How do I reduce the risk of Salmonella infection from reptiles and amphibians?
• DO
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after touching a reptile or amphibian, or anything in the area where they live and roam. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
• Adults should always supervise hand washing for young children.
• Handwashing is also especially important for older adults, or people with weakened immune systems
• Keep reptiles and amphibians out of homes with children younger than 5 years old or people with weakened immune systems.
• Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the home.
• DON’T
• Don’t let children younger than 5 years of age, older adults, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch amphibians or reptiles, or anything in the area where they live and roam, including water from containers or aquariums.
• Don’t keep reptiles and amphibians in child care centers, nursery schools, or other facilities with children younger than 5 years old and other high-risk individuals.
• Don’t let reptiles or amphibians roam freely throughout the house or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens, pantries, or outdoor patios.
• Don’t bathe animals or clean their habitats in your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or bathtub.
To prevent cross-contamination, animals should be bathed in a small plastic tub or bin that is dedicated for animal use only.