Salmonella Outbreaks in 21 states linked to small turtles

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)—The Center of Disease Control (CDC) has linked small turtles to 51 reported Salmonella cases across 21 states, Georgia included.

So far, the CDC reports that 23 out of the 51 people who have contracted Salmonella have been hospitalized. There are no reported deaths at this time.

Georgia has had four reported cases as of Aug. 16.

Though turtles under four inches long are listed as the cause of these cases of salmonella, turtles of any size can carry the germs that spread Salmonella in their fecal matter. These germs can be spread around by their bodies to their water and anything else they touch and live with.

You can get sick from touching a turtle or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food with unwashed hands and swallowing Salmonella germs, according to the CDC.

A federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than four inches long as pets, yet despite the ban, these turtles are sometimes still sold illegally online at stores, flea markets and roadside stands.

The CDC advises that if you are thinking of getting a pet turtle to buy one with shells that are longer than four inches and from a reputable pet store or rescue, note that they also said that reputable pet stores and rescues do not sell or rehome turtles with shells less than four inches long. They also advise that you do a lot of thinking about the right pet for your family.

“Pet turtles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, or people with weakened immune systems,” the CDC said. “These people are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry.”

If you do choose to get a turtle, the CDC said to take these steps to try to stay healthy around them.

• 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 kiss or snuggle your turtle, and don’t eat or drink around it. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.
• Keep your turtle out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.
• 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.
• Use a wash tub and sponge or scrub that are just used for your pet and its tank or other items.
• You can also use a laundry sink or bathtub, but make sure to remove people’s items from the sink and tub before cleaning pet items. Then thoroughly clean and disinfect the sink or tub immediately after.
• Using a kitchen sink may spread germs to your food. If the kitchen sink is the only place you can clean pet items, thoroughly clean and disinfect the sink and the area around the sink immediately after.

The CDC said that some of the symptoms are experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that start between six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. The CDC also said that most people can recover without treatment after four to seven days.

They also advise to call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as:

• Not peeing much
• Dry mouth and throat
• Feeling dizzy when standing up