The Center for Disease Control has announced that 21 people in 13 states have been infected with a strain of Salmonella Oranienburg, which was most likely contracted from pet turtles. There have been seven hospitalizations, but thankfully no deaths reported. The CDC states that epidemiologic and traceback evidence point to reptiles as the likely source.
Keeping a Turtle? Here are Some Tips All New Turtlekeepers Need To Know: Red-eared slider turtles, like all reptiles, carry Salmonella. The CDC interviewed affected individuals and found that 12 out of 17 who contracted salmonella had handled a turtle. The illnesses occurred between May 29, 2019 and September 3, 2019. Illnesses were reported in the following states with the number infected: – California: 6 – Colorado: 1 – Georgia: 1 – Illinois: 2 – Indiana: 1 – Iowa: 1 – Michigan: 1 – Nebraska: 1 – New Jersey: 1 – New York: 2 – Tennessee: 1 – Vermont: 1 – Washington: 2 Total: 21 The CDC provides these guidelines for handling turtles and other reptiles, which are known to carry Salmonella: – Wash your hands completely with soap and water after handling any reptile or its enclosure. Supervise children when they wash their hands. – Don’t kiss or snuggle with turtles or other reptiles, as this can spread Salmonella to your face and mouth. – Clean and disinfect your reptile’s enclosure and the items inside it outside the house when possible. – Consider a different pet for those with children under age 5 or adults over age 65. – Pet stores, reptile breeders, and sellers should educate customers on safe handling of turtles, snakes, and other herps. – Purchase turtles from reputable pet stores or breeders, avoiding street vendors or those not following the law. Do not buy or gift turtles with shell lengths under 4 inches, as advised by the CDC.
