The CDC reports that an outbreak of Salmonella infections from small turtles has impacted 21 states and appears to be growing.
The outbreak has already sickened 51 people with 23 being so sick that they had to be admitted to hospitals. So far the sick people have developed infections from two types of Salmonella, Salmonella Stanley and Salmonella Poona, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The age range for patients in this outbreak is from less than 1 year old to 78 years old with a median age of 8. Thirty-five percent of the patients are younger than 5 years old and 20 percent are less than 1 year old. Children are much more likely than adults to develop serious illnesses when exposed to Salmonella.
“The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” according to the CDC. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
For every outbreak patient diagnosed there are 29 who go uncounted, according to the CDC.
The implicated turtles are small, with shells less than four inches long. Such turtles are know to be contaminated with Salmonella. Federal law bans the sale and distribution of these turtles as pets.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the animals they came into contact with the week before they got sick. Of the 23 people who reported the size of the pet turtle, 21 reported contact with pet turtles with shells less than 4 inches long.
Pet owners are urged to not nuzzle or kiss turtles. Touching turtles and then preparing or eating food can make you sick. Turtles can cross contaminate anything they come into contact with, so counter tops and other areas should be disinfected if turtles are allowed on them.
Whole genome sequencing has shown that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This means that people in these outbreaks likely got sick from the same type of animal.
In June 2024, samples were collected from a sick person’s turtle in California for testing. The turtle was purchased from a street vendor. Whole genome sequencing performed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Laboratory showed that Salmonella serotype Poona from the turtle was closely related to the bacteria from sick people.
In July 2024, samples were collected from one turtle and its environment in a sick person’s home in Illinois for testing. The turtle was purchased from a souvenir shop. Whole genome sequencing performed by the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory showed the Salmonella Poona on the turtle and its environment were the same as the bacteria from the sick individual.
Eighteen people in both outbreaks reported purchasing or receiving these small turtles from a variety of locations:
Street vendors, 5
Online retailers, 4
Souvenir shops, 4
Received as gift, 2
Swap meets, 1
Pet stores, 1
Social media, 1
A common turtle supplier to these locations has not been identified.
About Salmonella infections
Food and animals contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look or smell bad. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has come into contact with pet turtles and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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