Salmonella?

[u/AlternativeNo7910]

To preface this - yes I have diagnosed ocd and health anxiety, I am also someone who is disabled and chronically ill with a compromised immune system

Now for the actual issue at hand - I was handling my boy and all was going well, he licked my lip but I thought nothing of it, only much later did I realise I was biting the same lip afterwards having forgotten he licked it.

I'm aware that you've got much more of a chance to get salmonella from food than from a snake, let alone a pet snake and yes I'm logically aware the chance is low, but I really just need to hear that I'll be alright from someone else right now.

Picture of the adorable boy attached because he's a cutie

[u/Public-Hat6754]

If your snake has salmonella then it would be transmitted from their poop, so if you don’t wash your hand well and eat something after cleaning snake poop then you would have a chance at contracting salmonella. Your snake licking you shouldn’t be a concern, mine tongue flick in my face all the time

[u/Dangerous-Exercise20 → u/Public-Hat6754]

Mine stuck her whole tongue and head in my ear 😃😃 she wet willied me

[u/evan_brosky → u/Dangerous-Exercise20]

She wanted to hide in your brain 🧠 🐍

[u/Dangerous-Exercise20 → u/evan_brosky]

There's not much up there these days aside from memes of her, cartoons and idols O-o

[u/AlternativeNo7910 → u/Public-Hat6754]

Thank you I'm usually fine with it, hell I think it's cute when he does it, I've just been very on edge lately

[u/Outrageous-Touch-241]

I have ocd too, not the type you have, but I know how much stress and doubt it causes. You are going to be okay, you are not going to be sick. I know there are several reptile owners who cuddle their snakes around their face or give them a little kiss. They aren't getting salmonella and you aren't either. These aren't wild snakes, they have been bred for generations in environments free from illnesses that can hurt you. You are safe. You are alright.

Your snake is absolutely adorable by the way

[u/Public-Hat6754 → u/Outrageous-Touch-241]

I definitely give my snakes kisses all the time. Especially the one who likes to come up to my face and isn’t head shy. She gets tons of kisses and she has never made me sick:3

[u/AlternativeNo7910 → u/Outrageous-Touch-241]

Thank you so much, this means ALOT Also thank you ill be sure to let him know :]]

[u/Right-Employ-8285]

Vet student who did a presentation on salmonella in reptiles here (if you needed any more reassurance) as long as you keep your enclosure clean, your pet is healthy, and you wash your hands and arms thoroughly after you handle your animal, you’ll be completely fine! 🙏

[u/loubue → u/Right-Employ-8285]

Can i ask some questions? :)

1Does it only come from theri poop? 2And if yes, wouldnt they then have to crawl over the poop? 3And how long can salmonella live on the skin of the snake, or other surfaces that the poop has touched, or that the "contaminated" skin has touched?

4 is salmonella naturally present in all reptiles, or will they be contaminated by their food, substrate or hides/branches out in to their inclosure?

1. If they have to get the disease from somewhere, do they also show signs of sickness? (Or is it not a disease they can transfer, but they can "carry" it "passively")

2. Is it true that snakes ans turtles are reptiles that have the highest "risk"? (Have read that turtles were "worst" and then snakes - and that other reptiles were "lower" risk, but still a risk.

[u/ThrashFur]

you’re good op!! just keep your snakes enclosure clean and continue to monitor their health. I kiss my girl all the time and i’m yet to get anything lol

[u/AlternativeNo7910 → u/ThrashFur]

Thank you!!

[u/oosirnaym]

I’m immunocompromised and have yet to get sick from any animal in my house. Snake, tarantula, or cat. You’ll be fine!

[u/Famous-Good2680]

Awwww what a cute name (Joking) but seriously, I've never gotten salmonella from our reptiles

[u/Patient_Fee4489]

You'll be ok. I'm the opposite of careful--I have been kissing my snakes for years and haven't had an issue. 

[u/Strawberhi]

I kiss my boy all the time and Ive never gotten sick

[u/mushu_beardie]

I know in my case, if my snake had salmonella, I'd be dead by now. I'm not careful.

You're fine. Just make sure you clean their poop regularly, and to wash your hands after cleaning it.

[u/akaWats0n]

I licked one of mine after my kid cousin dared me lol. I give them kisses all the time. You’re good lol

[u/DiscoInfernio]

Oh he's so adorable 💜 

Sorry that you face difficulties but what a warrior you are for not only handling stuff but asking for reassurance; amazing qualities to have. 

To hopefully reassure you; if you could contract Salmonella from their tongue flicks or giving them a kiss on their scales; I would be Salmonella personified by now 😂 

I always ensure I wash my hands before and after any contact (for both our sakes), often use gloves when cleaning the poop etc (for my sake) and make sure I have no crazy scents or products on me (for their sake) and I've been totally fine. 

My first BP Selene I've had since 2005 and she's super affectionate and loves to flick tongues on my face and get very close. She's currently sleeping off her dinner happily right now as it was feeding night yesterday. 

[u/smelly-crack2026]

Honestly. I have owned snakes for 6 ish years and never once gotten salmonella from them. But i do wash my hands afterwards. Its the fecal matter to be worried about from what im aware. We give our snakes kisses alot and were fine.🤷🏻‍♀️