Virginia 1 of 21 states affected by Salmonella outbreak linked to illegal pet turtles

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A Salmonella outbreak linked to contact with illegally-sold tiny turtles has sickened dozens of people — primarily children — across 21 states, including Virginia.

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 with a shell less than 4 inches long.

This 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 via online retailers, pet stores and roadside markets.

This ou tbreak 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, Aug. 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.

Salmonella typically presents within six hours to six days of exposure to the bacteria, with the illness usually lasting between four to seven days. Diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps are most common symptoms.

Children younger than 5, adults 65 and over and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness due to Salmonella exposure. The CDC does not recommend that these at-risk groups own a pet turtle at all.

“Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean,” the CDC said online . “These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything in the area where they live and roam.”

To prevent such exposure, those looking to purchase a pet turtle should only buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches and only from reputable pet stores or rescues. According to the CDC, you should always be washing your hands after handling, feeding or caring for your turtle. Adults should help their children effectively wash their hands after such contact.

Also, do not abandon your pet turtle in the wild if you no longer want it. Contact your local pet store, local animal control or a reptile rescue to safely rehome the turtle.

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