The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautioned Americans against coming into contact with small turtles after an outbreak of salmonella was recorded in at least 11 U.S. states.
“Always take steps to stay healthy around your small turtles.”
Public health officials are investigating the outbreak that has caused a total of 26 people to be sickened by salmonella. Of these, nine people were taken to the hospital. No deaths have been reported so far.
The states in which people have been infected with salmonella are California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Tennessee has six reported cases—the most out of the reported states.
Salmonella
Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract and causes a wide range of symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, a fever, and various signs of dehydration such as not urinating often, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness upon standing up.
According to the CDC, symptoms of salmonella infection usually start from six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria.
Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days. However, children younger than 5 years old, adults aged 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems may have severe symptoms that need treatment or hospitalization.
The infection can be life-threatening if it spreads beyond the intestines.
According to the CDC, people can contract salmonella if they touch a turtle or something in the turtle’s environment and then touch their mouth or handle food without having washed their hands.
Federal Law Bans Small Turtles as Pets
According to the CDC’s investigation notice, turtles with shells shorter than 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) are banned under federal law from being sold and distributed as pets.This is because “they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children,” the agency stated.
But despite the federal ban, these small-sized turtles can sometimes be available via online sources, or at various stores, flea markets, and roadside stands, according to the CDC.
“Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything in the area where they live and roam,” the notice warns.
The agency advised people who are thinking of getting a pet turtle to only get those with shells longer than 4 inches, and to buy them from a reputable pet store.
Pet turtles “are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, or people with weakened immune systems,” the CDC stated. “These people are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry.”
