Infants and Young Children
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Animal Safety Tips
Infants and children less than 5 years old are more likely
than most people to get diseases from animals. This is because
young children often touch surfaces that may be contaminated with
animal feces (stool), and young children like to put their hands
in their mouths. Young children are less likely than others to
wash their hands well. Objects such as pacifiers may fall to
dirty surfaces and then be placed in an infant's mouth. For some
animal diseases, young children are more likely than others to
get very sick.
Tips to protect infants and young children from getting sick
while handling animals:
- Children younger than 5 years old should be supervised
while interacting with animals.
- Children should not be allowed to kiss pets or to put
their hands or other objects into their mouths after
handling animals.
- Childrens' hands should be washed thoroughly with running
water and soap after contact with animals.
- Handwashing prior to breast feeding or preparation of
formula is strongly recommended.
Although this section focuses on how to protect children from
diseases from animals, many groups support the health benefits of
animals for people, including children.
CDC recommends that infants and children under 5 years old
avoid contact with the following animals:
- Reptiles (lizards, snakes, and turtles)
- Amphibians (frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders)
- Baby chicks
- Ducklings
Additionally, children less than 5 years old should be extra
cautious when visiting farms and having direct contact with farm
animals, including animals at petting zoos and fairs.
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