Post by mhbruin on Aug 23, 2023 9:59:11 GMT -8
Do You Need Another Reason Not to Kiss a Turtle?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned people to not “kiss or cuddle your turtle” after a salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles has sickened at least 26 people across 11 states.
Public health officials announced that they are investigating a “multistate outbreak” of salmonella linked to small turtles after dozens of people have fallen ill in recent months, according to the CDC.
A federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children, the CDC said.
“Despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands,” continued the CDC. “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. 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.”
MORE: Airline begins asking passengers to weigh in before flights for new study
Although any turtle can carry salmonella germs, turtles with shells less than four inches long are a known source of illness, officials said.
Public health officials confirmed that there have been at least 26 known victims from this outbreak across 11 states with nine hospitalizations and no deaths, so far.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned people to not “kiss or cuddle your turtle” after a salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles has sickened at least 26 people across 11 states.
Public health officials announced that they are investigating a “multistate outbreak” of salmonella linked to small turtles after dozens of people have fallen ill in recent months, according to the CDC.
A federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children, the CDC said.
“Despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands,” continued the CDC. “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. 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.”
MORE: Airline begins asking passengers to weigh in before flights for new study
Although any turtle can carry salmonella germs, turtles with shells less than four inches long are a known source of illness, officials said.
Public health officials confirmed that there have been at least 26 known victims from this outbreak across 11 states with nine hospitalizations and no deaths, so far.