Health
Twenty-six sickened in 11 states in salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles: CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning the American public that more than two dozen people have been sickened across 11 states as part of a salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles.
Out of the 26 illnesses reported in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri and California, nine people were hospitalized.
Tennessee has recorded the most cases, with six, CDC data shows.
“Although any turtle can carry salmonella germs that can spread to you and make you sick, turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are a known source of illness,” the CDC says.
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The CDC says “turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are a known source of illness.” (Johan Ordonez/AFP via Getty Images)
The CDC added on its website that federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than that length, but “despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands.”
It also noted that young children are especially at risk of becoming sick of illnesses transmitted by small turtles.
“Pet turtles of any size can carry salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean,” the CDC says. “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,” the CDC added.
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The CDC recommends against buying turtles as pets for certain age groups. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The agency recommends against purchasing pet turtles for children younger than five years old, adults aged 65 or older or those with weakened immune systems.
“Don’t kiss or snuggle your turtle, and don’t eat or drink around it,” the CDC says.
Salmonella symptoms include fevers higher than 102 degrees, bloody and recurring diarrhea, frequent vomiting and dehydration.
The symptoms start as early as six hours after swallowing the bacteria, but some can begin as late as six days afterward, according to the CDC.
Federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells of less than 4 inches in length, the CDC says. (Philippe Clement/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days,” the CDC says.
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An Arizona resident died of pneumonic plague, becoming the first person to succumb to the disease in the area in nearly 20 years, according to officials.
The victim, who was not identified, lived in Coconino County, which includes Flagstaff, local officials said.
The last recorded death in Coconino County was in 2007. Only about seven people are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and most cases are concentrated in the western states.
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A resident of Arizona died of pneumonic plague, becoming the first person to succumb to the disease in the area in nearly 20 years, according to officials. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
In the U.S., it’s most likely to be found in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon and western Nevada, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The plague is commonly transmitted through flea bites from wild rodents. (Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The disease is most commonly found in Africa.
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Pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs, is the deadliest form of the disease. Although the plague killed millions of Europeans during the Black Death of the 14th century, it is now easily treated with antibiotics.
An etching called “The Plague Victims of Rome.” The Black Death killed millions of people in Europe in the 14th century. (Ken Welsh/Design Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Pneumonic plague causes severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Bubonic plague is the most common form of the disease, affecting the lymph nodes. Septicemic plague is the least common form of the disease and affects the bloodstream.
The plague is usually transmitted through flea bites from wild rodents or contact with an infected animal, and it can even spread person-to-person through the air.
The Arizona Department of Health Services did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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