Originally published October 12 2005
CDC warns pet owners to wash their hands
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Reptile and rodent owners are strongly cautioned by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to practice good hygiene and protect against salmonella infections.
People who forget to wash their hands after touching rodents and reptiles could catch viruses, said a new study that found pet animals had transmitted a large number of infections.
The American Centre for Disease Control said 28 people, including seven young children, had caught strains of the bacteria carried by pet rats, mice and hamsters, reported the online edition of BBC.
Dr Stephen Swanson, a CDC epidemiologist who helped investigate the outbreaks, said parents should monitor their children's exposure to rodents and other such pets and ensure they wash their hands after contact.
The report said one of the children who contracted the salmonella infection was a five-year-old boy from Minnesota, who had frequently handled and kissed a pet mouse that was visibly ill.
Salmonella poisoning usually occurs from eating contaminated food such as meat and eggs.
But that is not the only reason.
CDC claimed it discovered a number of human infections had come from pets.
Young children should not touch the reptiles, or if they do they should not put their fingers in their mouths after touching them.
Snakes, turtles and hedgehogs have also been linked to human outbreaks.
Gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets can also carry the germ in their guts.
"Wash your hands immediately after touching the reptile.
Also, bear in mind that it may contaminate items in its cage, so handle these with care as well, and wash your hands after touching them, " the CDC warned.
It added that, reptiles should be kept away from food preparation areas and not allowed to roam freely throughout the house or living area.
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