Virginia is one of 21 states with a Salmonella outbreak caused by tiny turtles

Tiny TurtlePhoto byFoad MemariaanonUnsplash

WRIC 8 News reported that a Salmonella outbreak linked to contact with illegally-sold tiny turtles has sickened dozens of people across 21 states, including Virginia. Most of the sick victims are children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) a total of 51 people have reported contracting Salmonella after having contact with tiny turtles.

About the tiny turtles

Child holding a tiny turtlePhoto byAnn SavanovichonUnsplash

The tiny turtles have shells less than 4 inches long. That size turtle is illegal to sell per federal law, as they have been connected to many illnesses, especially in young children. However, they are reportedly still sold throughout the United States through online retailers, pet stores and roadside markets.

About the outbreak

This outbreak is largely affecting young children. According to the CDC, 17 of the reported cases are in children under 5 years old and 10 are in children under 1 year old. This is especially dangerous, as children under 5 are more likely to develop severe illness if they contract Salmonella.

As of Friday, August 16, the CDC reports that nearly half of those who have contracted Salmonella this way have been hospitalized. No deaths have yet been reported.

Three total cases have been reported in Virginia so far. The other impacted states include Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

According to the CDC

The CDC posted online:

“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 CDC advises to buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches and only from reputable pet stores or rescues.

Contact your local pet store, local animal control or a reptile rescue to safely rehome the turtle instead of abandoning it into the wild if you no longer want it.