Pet bearded dragons carry salmonella outbreak to Georgia
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The CDC has released a warning that a salmonella outbreak linked to bearded dragons has reached nine states, including Georgia.
According to the CDC, there have been reports of 15 salmonella illnesses linked to bearded dragons across nine states. Four people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
There is one reported case in Georgia.
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Experts say 60% of sick people are children under 5 years old.
Bearded dragons are not recommended as pets for children younger than 5, adults age 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems because these people are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that reptiles carry.
Bearded dragons can carry salmonella germs in their droppings, even if they look healthy and clean.
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You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs.
Visit the CDC website here to learn more about the outbreak and what you should do to prevent it.
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