Cute, but: ‘Tiny turtles’ keep causing salmonella outbreaks, CDC says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reminding people that contact with “tiny turtles” can lead to Salmonella illnesses, after receiving reports of an outbreak of infections in 21 states.

The CDC says it has received 51 reports of Salmonella illness linked to contact with small turtles (shells less than 4 inches long). Almost half of the people involved (23 out of 48) have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. In 17 of the cases, kids 4 years old or younger were exposed.

The Food and Drug Administration prohibits the sale and distribution of tiny turtles “because of the repeated illnesses and outbreaks,” the CDC notes, adding that “despite the ban, some online retailers, pet stores and roadside markets continue to sell small turtles.”

The agency offers this advice:

• Only buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches, and purchase them from reputable pet stores or rescues.
• Always wash your hands after touching, feeding or caring for a turtle. Help young kids wash their hands properly.
• Don’t release a turtle into the wild if you decide you no longer want it. Contact your local pet store or reptile rescue.
• Pick the right pet for your family. Pet turtles aren’t recommended for kids younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and anyone with a weakened immune system, as they’re more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry.

Symptoms of a Salmonella illness, including diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, can appear between six hours and six days after exposure. An illness can last four to seven days.

“If you have questions about cases in a particular state,” the CDC says, “please contact that state’s health department.”