When we think salmonella, we usually think food: that counter that didn’t get cleaned well enough after housing raw chicken or salad kit recalls for contaminated lettuce. While recent outbreaks have been linked to the usual suspects like raw beef and raw cookie dough, the Centers for Disease Control has revealed an unusual culprit for a current 11-state outbreak: pet turtles.

The CDC announced an active investigation into a multi-state outbreak that has sickened at least 26 and hospitalized 9 - cases which investigators linked to contact with small turtles.

Defined by the organization as turtles with shells measuring smaller than 4 inches long, the sale of small turtles is banned by federal law thanks to a high likelihood of carrying and spreading illness. Despite these laws, the turtles are still sold illegally in some pet and online stores, flea markets, reptile shows and roadside stands, said the CDC.

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Current salmonella outbreak

The CDC is currently aware of 26 cases of salmonella disease linked to small turtles, nine of which required hospitalization.

Like with most outbreaks, the actual number of cases is likely higher than those recorded by health officials, as many people recover at home without testing and it generally takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

In this outbreak, 31% of known cases are attributed to kids under the age of 5, as they are more susceptible to contracting illnesses from turtles and similar pets. Those who have gotten sick reported onset dates between Oct. 27, 2022, and July 16, 2023

Of the impacted people, 80% reported contact with pet turtles and 92% of those said their turtles were small or had a shell less than 4 inches in length. 64% of those people said they purchased their pets online, while 38% got them from a pet store.

Related cases were reported in 11 states, including:

• California
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia

Tennessee is home to the most cases with six, followed by Pennsylvania with four and New York with three. All other states reported two or fewer.

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Turtles and salmonella

While small turtles are more likely to carry salmonella, any size turtle comes with a risk, said the CDC.  Even healthy, clean-looking turtles carry salmonella germs in their droppings, which can spread around their tanks, bodies, water and other areas where they hang out.

People can easily swallow these germs if they touch their mouths or food without washing their hands after coming in contact with their pet turtle or its environment.

Those interested in getting a turtle should ensure they are purchasing their new pet from a reputable source; credible pet suppliers will not sell turtles with shells shorter than four inches, in compliance with federal law.

Pet turtles of any size are not recommended for children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 65 or people who are immunocompromised or otherwise at increased risk for illness.  

The CDC suggests the following safety tips when interacting with your pet turtle:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure children properly wash with soap and water every time you touch or feed your turtle or clean its living area.
• Germs carried by the turtle reaching your mouth is the largest risk. Don’t kiss or snuggle your turtle, eat or drink around it or allow it in the kitchen or other areas in which food is present.
• When maintaining the cleanliness of your pet and its living quarter, keep a separate wash tub and sponge designated only for your turtle. If you use an area also used by humans in the house, such as a sink, ensure surrounding items are removed and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area afterwards.
• If your pet turtle doesn’t end up being a good fit for your family, do not release it outside. Instead, contact a local reptile rescue, animal shelter or reputable pet store to rehome it.

Symptoms of and treatment for salmonella disease

• Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than three days without improving.
• Diarrhea and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Excessive vomiting, especially if it prevents you from keeping liquids down.
• Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth and throat, infrequent peeing and feeling dizzy when standing up.
• Stomach cramps  

These symptoms most commonly occur between six hours and six days after exposure. Though most people recover in four to seven days, those with weakened immune systems, including children younger than 5 and adults over 65, may experience more severe symptoms that require medical treatment or hospitalization.