This is a new one.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Friday that an outbreak of salmonella, affecting 51 people across 21 states, has been traced back to tiny turtles. Nearly half of those infected required hospitalization due to the severity of their illness, though no fatalities have been recorded.
The majority of those impacted are young children, with 10 cases involving babies under one year old and 17 cases in children under five years old. The CDC highlighted that despite a federal ban on selling small turtles as pets, some online retailers, pet stores, and roadside vendors continue to sell them.
This outbreak follows a similar incident in the summer of 2022, which resulted in at least five hospitalizations and was linked to turtles purchased online. Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after exposure. While the illness generally lasts between four to seven days, severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly among young children, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
The CDC advises against purchasing turtles with shells smaller than four inches and recommends buying only from reputable sources. To reduce the risk of infection, individuals should always wash their hands after handling turtles and ensure that children do the same. If you need to rehome a turtle, contact a local pet store or reptile rescue rather than discarding the animal. For specific concerns about infections, state health departments can provide additional information.
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