An infant in New York City, admitted to the hospital with vomiting, chills and fever also was diagnosed with Salmonella. Although there were no reptiles in the child's household, her babysitter passed along Salmonella from her pet iguana. 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.