I am sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. That's a shame.

So far as the kids are concerned, diseases that affect cold-blodded animals should not affect warm-blooded ones. For instance, an RI for a snake has to act differently than an RI for a human ... But bacteria is another story. Snakes can carry bacteria that hurts humans, especiall kids. But, the good news is that as long as they wash their hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap after the handle a reptile then 99.9999% of the time they're in no danger at all. They should be fine.

I am sorry again, about your loss.