Protecting Children After Pet Exposure

Classroom pets, such as Guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, or frogs can be a great learning experience for kids, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that exposure to animals does come with some risk. Because they are still developing their immune system, children are more likely to get sick after handling an animal. The CDC recommends the following to reduce a child’s risk: always wash hands with water and soap right after touching animals, their food, or their habitats; disinfect areas where animals have been; supervise handwashing for younger children; use a hand sanitizer if running water and soap are not available; and avoid cleaning tanks, feeders, water containers, and other equipment where food is prepared, served, or eaten. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 2018