The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is reporting an increase in salmonella sicknesses in the district with owners of reptiles and amphibians.

Officials say when not careful, handling pet lizards and amphibians can cause serious illness in humans.

“We encourage all pet owners, no matter the animal, to take precautions to protect their health and that of those around them,” says Teresina Palangio, public health inspector.

The Health Unit says salmonella germs are naturally found in the digestive tract of some animals, including lizards and amphibians.

It is shed in their droppings which spreads the germs onto their bodies and the environment around them.

Symptoms of salmonella include a sudden onset of headache, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes vomiting.

The Health Unit suggest the following tips to avoid salmonella sickness:
– Wash your hands after handling pets, their equipment and food. Good handwashing will go a long way to making sure you don’t get sick.
– Keep cages or tanks out of children’s bedrooms and unsupervised areas.
– Prevent lizards and amphibians from roaming free through the household, especially in the kitchen or areas where foods are prepared and eaten.
– Avoid eating or drinking while handling lizards and amphibians.
– Resist kissing, nuzzling or snuggling lizards and amphibians.
– Supervise children when they are caring for these pets.
– Wash your pet and their equipment outside, or in a laundry tub or large bucket. Keep the germs out of your kitchen sink and bathtub.

Learn more at myhealthunit.ca.