That small gecko on your kitchen wall or the pet bearded dragon in a tank might seem harmless, but they can be silent carriers of serious infections. Health experts warn that common lizards can transfer dangerous pathogens to humans, turning everyday contact into a potential health hazard. The primary threat comes from contact with their feces, skin, or environments they contaminate.
Major Bacterial Threats from Lizards
Salmonella is the leading culprit. These bacteria live in the intestines of most lizards, with studies showing infection rates of 37% in wild lizards and a staggering 52% in captive ones. Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) spreads to humans through the feco-oral route. This can happen while cleaning aquariums, handling pet reptiles, or preparing food without washing hands after contact. The U.S. CDC reports that reptiles are linked to 15% of all Salmonella cases annually. Symptoms, which appear between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure, include severe dehydration and can escalate to septicemia or meningitis, especially in infants under 5 and seniors over 65.
Other significant bacterial dangers include Campylobacter, which causes gastroenteritis with bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain 2-5 days after ingesting germs from surfaces soiled by lizard feces. Leptospirosis is another risk, contracted through water or soil contaminated with infected lizard urine. It starts with flu-like symptoms and headaches but can rarely lead to life-threatening liver or kidney failure. There is also a documented risk of infant botulism from toxins produced by Clostridium bacteria found in aquatic lizards, as seen in cases involving pet turtles.
Parasitic, Fungal Infections and Vulnerable Groups
Beyond bacteria, lizards can harbor parasites and fungi. Cryptosporidium causes prolonged watery diarrhea in people with weakened immunity. Mycobacteriosis, from Mycobacterium, can lead to skin lesions or systemic infection through cuts or inhalation. Yeast infections like Candida are also possible.
Certain groups are at far higher risk. Children under five are hospitalized for RAS at rates 20 times higher due to hand-to-mouth behaviors. Health advisories strongly recommend that households with such young children avoid keeping pet lizards. Pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals (like cancer or HIV patients) are also exceptionally vulnerable. Even a lizard bite can introduce infections like Staphylococcus or tetanus.
Prevention and Treatment Guidelines
While many infections are self-limiting and require only hydration and rest, severe bacterial cases need intravenous antibiotics. Medical attention is crucial if symptoms like fever or bloody stools appear, especially for dehydrated children or high-risk individuals.
The key to safety is hygiene, not fear. Health experts emphasize that outbreaks can be contained with early reporting and that families can safely keep lizards by following strict guidelines. This includes thorough handwashing with soap after any reptile contact, preventing lizards from accessing kitchen counters or food prep areas, and regular, careful cleaning of their habitats. By understanding the risks and implementing these simple yet effective measures, the dangers posed by these common reptiles can be effectively managed.
