Multistate Salmonella outbreak, including Colorado, linked to turtles

(COLORADO) — The U.S. Center for Disease and Control (CDC) announced on Friday, Aug. 16 that it is investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles.

As of Aug. 16, the CDC has received 51 reports of Salmonella illness from multiple states, including Colorado, linked to contact with small turtles — shells less than four inches long — these ‘tiny’ turtles are illegal to sell as pets.

In 21 states, 48 people have been infected. The CDC said 48% of those, 23 people, have been hospitalized, so far no deaths have been reported. The outbreak is affecting young children, 17 of those infected are children under 5, and 10 children are less than a year old.

Salmonella can affect people of all ages, children younger than five, adults who are older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. In some cases, the patient is hospitalized if the illness is severe. Most people infected develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after being exposed to the bacteria.

The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

The CDC is advising individuals to:

• Only buy turtles with shells longer than four inches and get them from a reputable pet store or rescue.
• Stay healthy around your pet turtle by always washing your hands after touching, feeding, or caring for your turtle.
  • Help young children wash their hands properly.
• Don’t release your turtle into the wild if you decide you no longer want it, reach out to your local pet store or reptile rescue.
• Pick the right pet for your family.
  • Pet turtles are not recommended for children younger than five, adults who are older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems as they are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry.

If you have any severe Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea and fever higher than 102F, diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down or signs of dehydration like not peeing too much, dizziness and dry mouth and throat call your healthcare provider right away.

For more information about Salmonella, click the link above.

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