For Release: March 10, 1997

5 p.m. (ET)

Below is a highlight of a study published in the March issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Members of the media may obtain the full text of this study by e- mailing the AAP Division of Public Relations at [email protected] and asking for C399-97.

PET REPTILES POSE HEALTH RISK TO CHILDREN

CHICAGO--Being the first kid on your block to own a reptile may be cool, but its also a health risk, according to a study in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Many parents do not know that owning an iguana puts their children at risk for Salmonella infection," say researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They studied 32 cases of Salmonella serotype Marina infection reported to the National Salmonella Surveillance System in 1994. Salmonella serotype Marina infection frequently causes diarrhea and also may cause serious blood infections. Salmonella infections may be caused when an individual comes in close contact with iguanas and other pet reptiles. The authors found that there has been an increase in reported Salmonella serotype Marina infections from one case in 1989 to 67 in 1995. This increase paralleled changes in iguana importation, which increased from 41,183 in 1982 to 569,774 in 1994. Many of the patients exposed to reptiles were infants (81 percent) and male (77 percent). "Pediatricians, veterinarians, and pet store owners should inform their patients and customers of the potential risks of owning reptiles and provide appropriate preventive education," the authors conclude.

EDITORS NOTE: This study was published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the Academy. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 51,000 pediatricians dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.