For this reason, the Illinois State Legislature recently passed a law, to take effect January 2001, that will require pet shops to provide anyone who purchases a reptile with information about the risks of Salmonella and about safe handling practices. It is the reptile's natural state and not an illness. People should assume that all reptiles are salmonella carriers. It isn't advisable to treat the salmonella for many reasons, mainly that treating carrier animals can lead to antibiotic resistance. Salmonellosis is an infection with Salmonella bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and cramps in people.
Most people recover without treatment, but it can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
The infection can spread from the intestines to the blood stream and other organs and can cause death without medical treatment. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are most likely to have severe illness. Salmonella is most commonly spread through improperly prepared foods and raw or undercooked meat, chicken, or eggs. Dr. Welle believes that reptiles can be safe animals to keep in the home as long as the proper precautions are taken. If you have young kids, it may be difficult to control their access to a reptile.