Authorities are investigating two salmonella outbreaks which have up to now sickened 23 people. The illnesses have been linked to contact with pet bearded dragons.

About half of the individuals who got sick were young children lower than one 12 months old, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted in its investigation notice. Eight out of the 23 people have needed to be hospitalized, with illnesses being reported from 15 states up to now, including California, Latest York, Iowa, Utah and Oklahoma.

“The true variety of sick people in an outbreak is probably going much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak might not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the agency said.

The outbreaks have been linked to 2 separate salmonella strains, with 10 of the patients affected by the Salmonella Vitkin strain and 13 affected by Salmonella IIIb 61:z52:z53.

Authorities were in a position to interview 20 of the patients, and 11 (55%) said that they got here involved with a pet bearded dragon within the week before they fell unwell. Whole genome sequencing also revealed that the samples from the patients were “closely related genetically,” indicating that they “likely got sick from the identical form of animal.”

Investigators are actually working to discover whether there was a standard supplier for the reptiles.

Authorities are urging owners of bearded dragons to take extra precautions with their pets and their habitats. Because the agency explained, bearded dragons can carry Salmonella of their droppings even in the event that they appear perfectly clean and healthy. The pathogen could then spread to their bodies and the world they move in “easily.”

“You may get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment after which touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs,” the CDC noted.

That is why practicing good hand hygiene is considered one of the important thing steps to staying healthy around bearded dragons. Owners of such reptiles should remember to scrub their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling or feeding their pets and after touching or cleansing their habitats and supplies.

This is very necessary if one goes to the touch or feed a young child after handling the pet. In accordance with the CDC, young children, those with weakened immune systems and the elderly are particularly at a better risk of getting sick from the germs from reptiles and amphibians.

It might even be best to not snuggle with the pet bearded dragon and to avoid eating or drinking near it.

“In case you determine that a reptile or amphibian is the proper pet for you, it is vital to learn easy methods to properly look after your pet,” the agency said, sharing some necessary safety suggestions for pet bearded dragon owners. “Appropriate husbandry and veterinary care will help keep you each protected from illness.”