CDC warns against small turtles due to Salmonella outbreak in 11 states.

Warning: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Small Turtles

The ⁢Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ‌has issued ⁣a cautionary statement ⁣to Americans regarding small⁢ turtles, following an ⁣outbreak of salmonella in‌ 11⁣ U.S. ​states.

“Although any turtle can carry Salmonella germs that can spread to you and⁢ make​ you sick, turtles with shells less than⁣ 4 inches long ​are a known source of illness,” the CDC‍ said on its website ⁢ on Aug. 18.

“Always‍ take steps ⁣to stay healthy ⁢around your small turtles,” the agency advised.

Public health ‍officials are ​currently investigating this outbreak, which has‌ affected ‍a total of 26 ⁤individuals, with nine ‍requiring⁢ hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths ⁢have been ⁣reported thus⁤ far.

The states affected by the salmonella outbreak include California, Georgia,⁣ Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, ⁢and Virginia. Tennessee has reported‍ the highest number of cases, with six.

“This outbreak may not be⁣ limited to ⁣the states with‌ known illnesses, and⁤ the ​true number of affected ⁢individuals is likely higher than reported,” the CDC‍ noted. “Many ⁣people recover without medical ​care and are not tested‌ for Salmonella.”

Understanding Salmonella

Salmonella infection is⁣ a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal⁢ tract and can cause a range of symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, fever, and signs of dehydration ⁢such as infrequent urination, dry mouth‍ and ⁢throat,‍ and dizziness upon standing up.

According to⁢ the CDC, symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear between 6 hours to 6 days after exposure to⁣ the bacteria.

Most people recover without treatment within four to seven days. However,⁤ young children, adults⁣ over 65 years⁢ old, and individuals ‍with weakened‍ immune systems may experience severe symptoms requiring ​medical​ intervention or ‍hospitalization.

If the infection spreads ‍beyond the intestines, it can ​become ⁣life-threatening.

The ⁢CDC emphasizes that individuals can contract salmonella by ​touching a turtle or its environment and subsequently touching their mouth or⁢ handling food without proper handwashing.

The agency ⁤advises⁤ people to wash their hands after ⁤feeding or handling pet turtles and ⁢to avoid kissing the turtles⁣ or eating in their vicinity.

Federal Law Prohibits Small Turtles as Pets

Under federal law, turtles with⁤ shells shorter than 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) are banned from being ⁢sold or distributed as pets.

This prohibition exists because​ “they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children,” the CDC ⁢stated.

However, despite the federal ban, these small turtles can sometimes be found through online sources, as well as various ​stores, flea markets, ⁣and roadside stands, warns the CDC.

“Pet turtles of any size can⁢ carry Salmonella germs in their droppings, even if they appear⁣ healthy and clean. These ‌germs can easily spread to their⁢ bodies, tank water, and anything ⁢in their living and roaming ⁢area,” the notice cautions.