A multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to pet veiled chameleons has affected five children across four states, all of whom were exposed to the same strain of bacteria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a May 7 statement.
“Reptiles are not recommended as pets for children under five as they are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that reptiles can carry,” the CDC said. “Veiled chameleons and other reptiles can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam.”
