Pet Rodents Can Transmit Salmonella

January 4th, 2007

Families in which hamsters, mice or rats are kept as pets should be especially carefully in handling them to prevent diarrhea-causing salmonella. Although the rates of transmission are low, precautions should still be taken.

A study appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine showed a direct link to pet rodents in persons sickened by the salmonella bacteria. The study spanned 10 states and involved a drug-resistant type of salmonella. Of the 15 persons made ill, 13 contracted salmonella directly from the pets. The other two got the infection from people with direct contact with pet rodents. Of the six patients hospitalized, four were less than 8 years old.

Consumers are warned that handling of pet rodents is a potential health risk, especially for children. To reduce chances of transmission, it is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching rodents, their cages, or their bedding.

Salmonella can be especially serious in young children. Young persons should be carefully supervised in their handling of pet rodents or in cleaning their cages. Instruct them not eat to while holding the rodent, handle it in food preparation areas or place it close to their mouth.

Similar transmissions of salmonella once occurred involving small, pet turtles, before the disease link was discovered and stores discontinued offering them as pets.

Source:  Web MD  

Entry Filed under: CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE