Pet turtles are making people sick all over the U.S., with more than 50 people recently falling ill in 21 states. Salmonella Nearly 20 people have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported from the bacteria found on the small turtles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The first case dates back to August 2023, and the most recent case was reported in early July this year. There are two co-occurring strains associated with the outbreak. Salmonella Stanley and Salmonella Pune. Most cases are in the former. As of August 16, 51 cases had been reported, with 23 people hospitalized. But as is often the case in these types of epidemics, the actual toll is probably much worse.
“The true number of cases in an outbreak may be much higher than reported, and outbreaks may not be limited to states with known disease because many people are recovering without medical care and are not being tested,” the report said. SalmonellaIn announcing the outbreak, the CDC said, “It typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether cases are part of an outbreak, so recent cases may not yet be reported.”
Turtles and other reptiles are commonly seen Salmonella Even healthy, clean turtles carry strains of bacteria that can potentially cause illness. Turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are particularly common vectors of these bacteria. Due to this added risk, small turtles are federally banned from sale or distribution in the country. However, it is still easy to acquire these pets, sold illegally at flea markets, roadside stalls, or online.
In most cases, Salmonella It usually causes gastrointestinal problems for a few days to a week, but in rare cases it can become a dangerous infection. Approximately 26,500 Americans are hospitalized with this infection each year, and more than 400 die from it. Serious infections are more common in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella The infection is usually spread by eating or drinking contaminated food, but this year exotic pets have been the main cause of the outbreak. Since the start of 2024, people have fallen ill from contact with small turtles, breaded dragons, and backyard chickens. In addition to direct contact with these pets, infection can also occur if you touch the pet’s environment and then put your hands near your mouth. So, if you don’t want to take the risk of infection, SalmonellaMore traditional pets seem like a safer choice.
