CDC issues warning after salmonella outbreak not to ‘kiss or cuddle your turtle’

People have been warned not to kiss or cuddle their pet turtles after a salmonella outbreak linked to the reptile has sickened at least 26 people across 11 states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella after nine of those who were sick were hospitalized.

Salmonellosis, is the result of infection from one of 2,000 strains of salmonella bacteria. The infection primarily impacts the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. 

It is usually associated with tainted food and food poisoning, but there are several animals that can also transmit it.

In an attempt to reduce the numerous infections that small turtles can carry, the US government enacted a federal ban against the sale of pet turtles with shells smaller than four inches long because they have led to many illnesses.

The CDC said: ‘Despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands. 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.’

In Tennessee, six people were sick. In New York, there are three sick, and in Pennsylvania, four people. The CDC said the outbreak may include other states not highlighted on the map because many people recover without medical care and so are not tested for salmonella

The range of people infected with salmonella is between less than a year old and 64 years, with a median age of 14.

There have been no fatalities, though the CDC said the current tally of infections is likely an undercount.

Salmonella bacteria are passed from feces of people or animals and symptoms of an infection usually begin between six hours and six days after exposure. They typically resolve within another four to seven days without requiring medical intervention.

Some people have no symptoms. However, the illness can sometimes be more severe and lead to hospitalization. 

People with pre-existing medical conditions, weakened immune systems, children under 12 months old and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to serious side effects – or even death.

Salmonella infects more than 1.3 million people every year, leading to 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually. 

Foods contaminated with salmonella are almost always animal in origin, such as eggs. The bacteria can also lurk in unbaked or uncooked flour used to make dough or batter.