- Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pet Turtles: CDC Investigation
- Risks of Salmonella Transmission from Small Turtles
- Salmonella Infections and Health Implications
People have been warned against kissing or petting their pet turtles following a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 26 individuals in 11 states.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it was investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella after nine patients were hospitalized.
Salmonellosis is an infection caused by one of the 2,000 strains of salmonella bacterium. The infection predominantly affects the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
It is commonly associated with contaminated food and food poisoning, but several animals are also capable of transmitting it.
To reduce the number of infections that small turtles can transmit, the US government has prohibited the sale of pet tortoises with shells less than four inches long, as their presence has been linked to numerous illnesses.
According to the CDC, despite the prohibition, these turtles can sometimes be purchased illegally online, in stores, and at flea markets. Even if they appear healthy and sanitary, pet turtles of any size can transmit Salmonella through their feces.
These pathogens can readily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything else in their habitat. contacting a turtle or anything in its environment and then contacting your mouth or food with unwashed hands and ingesting Salmonella bacteria can cause illness.
The ages of salmonella-infected individuals range from less than a year to 64 years, with a median age of 14.
There have been no fatalities, but the CDC has stated that the current infection count is likely an underestimate.
Salmonella bacteria are transmitted through the feces of humans or animals, and the onset of symptoms is typically between six hours and seven days after exposure. Usually, they resolve within the next four to seven days without medical intervention.
Some individuals lack symptoms. Occasionally, the illness can be more severe and require hospitalization.
People with preexisting medical conditions, compromised immune systems, infants younger than one year of age. And the elderly are especially susceptible to severe side effects or even mortality.
Each year, Salmonella infects over 1.3 million individuals, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.
Salmonella-contaminated foods are almost always of animal origin, such as eggs. Additionally, the bacteria can exist in uncooked or unbaked flour used to create dough or batter.
