Health Officials Investigating Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Small Turtles

WASHINGTON — Public health officials in 18 states are investigating multiple outbreaks of Salmonella linked to small turtles. 

To date there have been 59 cases of Salmonella — 33 of them new since August — resulting in 23 hospitalizations. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 40% of those infected have been children 5 years old and younger.

So far, there have been no deaths associated with the outbreak, the CDC said.

Federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because of their long-standing association with illnesses, especially in young children. 

Despite the ban, officials say, these turtles are sometimes sold illegally online and at stores, flea markets or roadside stands. They are also sometimes given out as prizes at carnivals or fairs.

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.

Individuals can get sick from touching a turtle or anything in its environment and then touching one’s mouth or food with unwashed hands and swallowing Salmonella germs.

If one is inclined to keep a pet turtle, the CDC recommends only buying turtles with shells longer than 4 inches and buying them from a reputable pet store.

The agency notes that even if these steps are adhered to, turtles are not recommended as pets for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, or people with weakened immune systems, as these people are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry.

To protect oneself against Salmonella, the CDC says one should always wash one’s hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding a turtle and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams.

Turtle owners should also be sure to keep their pet out of the kitchen and other areas where they eat, store or prepare food.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue