• Message from The Chapter Leader
• Teacher's Choice
• Don't Kiss Your Hamster
• Mercury and the New New York State law
• EPA set to inspect K-12 schools
• Electrophoresis power pack alert
• Fume hood alert
• Can a monetary fine be imposed on students?
• Book Recommendation
• Chapter Meetings
• Important New Contact Numbers
• Collector's Copy

Don't kiss your hamster

The New York Times reported on May 10 that salmonella outbreaks have been traced to pet rodents. Salmonella typhimurium usually found in undercooked chicken or by handling reptiles can also be traced to pet rodents.

The Center for Disease Control reported in May that cases occurred in 10 states from December 2003 to the fall of 2004. Salmonella infection in adults is usually not serious but in can be severe in children or the elderly.

This disease has been spread by mice and hamsters. Infected animals may not appear sick but the CDC recommends that people who handle them wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. Be sure that all students wash up after handling these animals.

And whatever you do, remind them not to kiss the hamster.