CDC Investigation Notice: Tiny turtles, illegal to sell as pets, causing Salmonella illnesses again in young kids

A CDC investigation notice regarding multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections has been posted:

Key Points:

• CDC has received 51 reports of Salmonella illness from 21 states linked to contact with small turtles (shells less than 4 inches long).
• Forty-eight percent of people have been hospitalized (23 out of 48). No deaths have been reported.
• This outbreak is affecting young children. Seventeen are children under 5 years and 10 are children under the age of 1 year.
• A federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because of the repeated illnesses and outbreaks.
• Despite the ban, some online retailers, pet stores, and roadside markets continue to sell small turtles.

What You Should Do:

• Only buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches and get them from reputable pet stores or rescues.
• Stay healthy around your pet turtle by always washing your hands after touching, feeding, or caring for your turtle. Help young children wash their hands properly.
• Don’t release your turtle into the wild if you decide you no longer want it. Reach out to your local pet store or reptile rescue.
• Pick the right pet for your family. Pet turtles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems as they are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry. Here’s what you need to know about tiny turtles.

About Salmonella:

• Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
• The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
• In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
• Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please contact that state’s health department.

Thank you,

CDC News Media Branch

404-639-3286