Reptiles, like iguanas and water turtles are purchased at pet stores, as well as from the black market, private reptile breeders and swap meets. Many reptile sellers do not post warnings about the dangers of Salmonella even though state and federal laws require it. Symptoms include mild to severe diarrhea, fever and occasionally vomiting. Symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure. It is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or by contact with infected people, animals and reptiles.
Reptiles are more popular than ever.
According to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, there are between seven and eight million pet reptiles owned in about three percent of America's households. Reptile ownership is on the increase. Even if you treat the Salmonella in your pet, it returns. While most healthy adult owners show no symptoms of Salmonella even if they are infected, Dr. Evans says children under five, pregnant women and the elderly as well as those whose immune systems are compromised such as those with AIDS, kidney transplants or people undergoing treatment for cancer are at risk of serious illness or even death from Salmonella infection. A teacher is a sitting duck for a lawsuit should any of the children in the classroom get infected.