The infant I discussed with Salmonella is out of the hospital and doing well. This 8 month old is breastfed. She grew Salmonella Arizona in her blood culture and stool culture. This serotype is known to be associated with reptiles. It is also very serious especially in infants less than a year of age. It is highly invasive and has been associated with meningitis and osteomyelitis (bone infection). It requires intravenous antibiotics. It should not be confused with Salmonella Typhi which causes the diarrhea/vomiting that most kids get through on their own and that you want to avoid treating to prevent a carrier state. Yes, hand washing is very important but the seriousness of this particular serotype cannot be overlooked. If is a "resistant strain", i.e. not responsive to the usual antibiotics, is present then 2 weeks of IV antibiotics may be necessary. I had 2 pediatric infectious disease experts very interested in this case. Remember, there are many types of Salmonella. Some more serious than others. General principles are the same but in my opinion get rid of the turtles, lizards, and other reptiles out there if you have small children!