LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
At least six cases of salmonella in Clark County were linked to contact with reptiles kept as pets, the Southern Nevada Health District said Monday.
Officials said the outbreak was related to recent cases occurring in several other states, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Five people under the age of 5 and an adult were reportedly infected in southern Nevada.
According to SNHD, all of the patients had contact with aquatic turtles that were kept as pets. Officials said salmonella bacteria can be found on the bodies of reptiles, even those that seem healthy. They can also be found on places where reptiles dwell, like cages, aquariums, terrariums and other containers.
Anything that reptiles touch can be considered possible sources of the bacteria.
Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping.
Only one of the people affected in Clark County were hospitalized but recovered.
SNHD recommended washing of hands with soap and water as a way to reduce the risk of salmonella infection.
For more details on the salmonella outbreak, you can visit www.snhd.info.
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