Salmonella Outbreak in 11 States Prompts CDC Alert Against Small Turtles

A digitally colorized electron microscope image of a grouping of Gram-negative bacilli, or rod-shaped, Salmonella sp. bacteria. Janice Haney Carr/CDC

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.

“Although any turtle can carry Salmonella germs that can spread to you and make you sick, turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are a known source of illness,” the CDC stated on its website on Aug. 18.

“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.

A turtle sits on a rock at Stow Lake in San Francisco, on Aug. 11, 2014. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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.

“This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses and the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported,” the agency noted. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.”

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.

The agency said that people should wash their hands after feeding and handling pet turtles and should refrain from kissing the turtles or eating around them.

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.”