In the article, "Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis--Selected
States, 1996-1998," several errors occurred. In the Wisconsin case on page 1010,
the case-patient was a girl. In the first sentence of the fourth bullet in the box on page
1012, first sentence should read "Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where
children aged less than 5 years or immunocompromised persons live." The
corrected box is reprinted below.
Recommendations for Preventing Transmission of Salmonella from
Reptiles to Humans
Pet store owners, veterinarians, and pediatricians should provide information to owners
and potential purchasers of reptiles about the risk for acquiring salmonellosis from
reptiles.
Persons should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling
reptiles or reptile cages.
Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications of salmonellosis (e.g.,
children aged less than 5 years and immunocompromised persons) should avoid contact with
reptiles.
Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children aged less than 5 years or
immunocompromised persons live. Families expecting a new child should remove the pet
reptile from the home before the infant arrives.
Pet reptiles should not be kept in child care centers.
Pet reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area.
Pet reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other food-preparation areas to prevent
contamination. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or to wash their dishes,
cages, or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned
thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.
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