A Salmonella outbreak in 11 states in the US is linked to small turtles that has sickened 26 people. The sale of less than 4-inch (10 to 16-centimeter) turtles has been banned in the country since 1975 because they are the most common culprits of Salmonella outbreaks linked to pet reptiles.
Small turtles particularly pose high risk to children who are likely to touch them and get sick. However, illegal sale of these pet reptiles still exists online, at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands.
26 People Afflicted Across 11 States in Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Small Turtles; Illegal Sales Continue Despite Ban
CDC Investigates Disease Outbreak in 11 States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is looking into a Salmonella outbreak sparked by two variations of the pathogenic bacteria. CDC announced on Friday, August 18, that the occurrence is associated with small pet turtles.
Those impacted by this outbreak fell ill from October 27, 2022, to July 16, 2023. Although there have only been 26 cases from 11 states being reported, the health agency says that the actual count of affected individuals is likely greater than what has been officially documented.
Sixteen out of the 20 individuals interviewed by local and state health officials revealed that they had been in contact with pet turtles in the week leading up to their illness. Additionally, most of them disclosed details about the size of the pet, confirming that they had engaged with a turtle whose shell measured less than 4 inches.
Furthermore, the CDC pointed out that the Salmonella samples taken from the affected individuals exhibited a high degree of genetic similarity. This implies that all of them likely fell ill due to contact with the same kind of animal.
Among the 13 individuals who were surveyed, six indicated purchasing their pet turtle through online channels, five mentioned acquiring the animal from a store, and one individual reported obtaining their turtle at a reptile exhibition. The CDC's announcement specifies that investigators are actively trying to identify the possibility of shared origin of the turtles.
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Turtles Can Carry Salmonella
Salmonellosis, the infection caused by Salmonella, can lead to symptoms such as elevated body temperature, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea containing blood. In uncommon instances, the infection has the potential to extend from the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream and other body areas, including joints or the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
The health agency also warned that Salmonella can be carried by seemingly healthy turtles, as they excrete the bacteria in their feces. This contamination can spread to the turtles themselves, their habitat's water, and surrounding objects.
Humans are susceptible to infection by touching these contaminated animals, their waste, or surroundings, and subsequently transferring the bacteria to their mouths or food.
It is recommended to consistently wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water after interacting with pet turtles, such as feeding or cleaning their living area. The CDC also advises against kissing or snuggling pet turtles.
More so, refrain from consuming food or beverages around it. It is recommended to keep pet turtles out of the kitchen and to consistently maintain the cleanliness of its habitat.
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