Do Geckos Carry Viruses and Bacteria?
Geckos do not carry viruses; in fact, they have even been used in traditional medicine. However, caution should be exercised regarding gecko urine, which contains corrosive substances. While geckos do carry some bacteria, they are generally not harmful to humans.

Geckos, also known as house lizards, typically do not carry viruses when healthy. It is true that geckos carry some bacteria on their skin, as is the case with all living creatures, but these bacteria pose no threat to human health. Common gecko diseases include skin infections, eye infections, and digestive issues, none of which are transmissible to humans. Gecko urine is indeed corrosive and can cause skin irritation such as itching, redness, and rashes if it comes into contact with human skin. The toxicity of gecko urine varies depending on the individual gecko and the person's immune response. Some may not experience any reaction due to a strong immune system, while others, especially children with sensitive skin, are more prone to irritation and allergic reactions. Therefore, handling geckos requires caution.
Common Gecko Infections
Here’s a breakdown of some common health issues that can affect geckos:
1. Skin Infections
Skin infections in geckos are often the result of excessively moist bedding and skin abrasions. If a gecko has a skin infection, it should be immediately moved to a clean and well-ventilated environment. Using paper towels as temporary bedding and applying a small amount of anti-inflammatory medication to the affected area can provide temporary relief.
2. Eye Infections
Due to the unique structure of their eyes, geckos are susceptible to eye infections when dust gets into their eyes, or if their eyes rub against hard objects. Eye infections are relatively difficult to treat. You can try rinsing the infected eye with saline solution. Supplementing with vitamin B12 can also help to improve appetite and overall health, which in turn will aid the recovery process.
3. Digestive Issues
Gecko digestive issues primarily involve gastrointestinal discomfort. If the food source is not the problem, then the probability of a gecko contracting gastroenteritis is low. Generally, stomach upset is more common. If a gecko has digestive issues, owners can try to manage the situation through adjusted feeding and general care, such as regulating temperature and temporarily fasting.Read more here:Pet Breeds
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