Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), five children from four states have been infected with the same strain of Salmonella linked to pet veiled chameleons. All affected children are aged two years or younger, a group more vulnerable to severe Salmonella illness.
The CDC reports that reptiles like veiled chameleons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they appear healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and environment, posing a risk of infection to humans. People can become sick from handling chameleons or their habitat and then touching their mouth or food.
To reduce infection risk, the CDC recommends washing hands thoroughly after handling pet chameleons or their habitats and before feeding or holding children. It advises against eating or drinking around pet chameleons and suggests cleaning supplies outside the home or, if indoors, avoiding kitchen areas.
The agency also advises that reptiles are not suitable pets for children under five, adults aged 65 and above, or anyone with weakened immune systems due to a higher risk for serious illness. If a chameleon is not appropriate, the CDC recommends rehoming the pet rather than releasing it into the wild.
The CDC encourages pet businesses to educate customers about safe handling practices and provide resources such as handouts to help reduce Salmonella infections from pet reptiles.