WARNING! do NOT kiss lizards!

the united states center for disease control and prevention (CDC) has issued a warning against cuddling and smooching bearded dragons due to an outbreak of salmonella associated with pet reptiles. even healthy and clean looking bearded dragons can be carrying salmonella in their droppings, which easily spreads to their body, and then leaves salmonella germs anywhere they touch or roam. those contaminated poop germs can then infect humans.

the CDC advises against reptiles as pets for those under 5 years old or above 65 years old, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

to reduce chance of infection: do not eat or drink near a bearded dragon. make sure to wash hands every single time after touching a bearded dragon. keep reptiles away from young children and places where food and drink are prepared or consumed. keep your reptile's enclosure clean, but do NOT clean supplies in the kitchen or anywhere food is eaten or prepared.

people taking stomach acid reducers are more likely to be infected with salmonella.

a salmonella infection can cause painful long-term disability. while most salmonella infections do not require antibiotics, salmonella germs are developing antibiotic resistance and severe infections are becoming more difficult to treat. some of the salmonella germs involved in this outbreak are resistant to ciprofloxacin, a type of antibiotic used in the treatment of salmonella.

taking ciprofloxacin can also cause painful long-term disability, by the way. the safest option is to avoid salmonella altogether, and to stay informed about antibiotic safety. seriously, cipro can fuck you up BAD.