NHS Forth Valley has warned owners to avoid kissing bearded dragons, as most reptiles carry salmonella in their gut without showing any signs of infection.
This bacteria is then shed in droppings, which can quickly spread over the skin of pet lizards and other reptiles.
As a result, any surface or object that the animal comes into contact with can be contaminated, such as toys, clothes, furniture and household surfaces.
NHS Forth Valley said that four people have been brought into hospital in the last eight months suffering from the illness after kissing bearded dragons and other reptiles.
NHS consultant in public health medicine, Dr Henry Prempeh said: “While salmonella is not usually life threatening in healthy individuals, immuno-compromised people, the very young and the very old can have complications associated with this infection.
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