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Diseases from Reptiles

An estimated 3% of households in the United States own at least one reptile. Reptiles, including turtles, lizards, and snakes, can carry germs that make people sick. Of greatest importance is salmonellosis. An estimated 70,000 people get salmonellosis from contact with reptiles in the United States each year.

Important Tip! Children under 5 years old and people with weak immune systems (such as HIV/AIDS) should avoid contact with reptiles. These people can get very sick from a germ, called Salmonella, that reptiles carry. Reptiles include lizards, snakes, and turtles

Learn more about salmonellosis associated with reptiles below.

Salmonella Infection (salmonellosis): A bacterial disease associated with reptiles, including lizards, snakes, turtles, and tortoises.

CDC Reports and Recommendations

Outbreaks and recommendations related to reptiles. Reptile-associated Salmonellosis-selected states, 1998-2002; Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 52(49):1206-1209

Recommendations for preventing transmission of Salmonella from reptiles and amphibians to humans

Prevention Materials

New materials coming this Spring.

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This page last reviewed December 22, 2003

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases

US Department of Health and Human Services