Illinois
Tiny turtles causing salmonella infections in young kids across 21 states, including Illinois
A multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to tiny turtles has sickened dozens of people in 21 states, including Illinois, federal officials said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 51 people have gotten sick after coming into contact with small turtles with shells less than four inches long. Of those who’ve become sick, two people are from Illinois and another two reside in Indiana.
Seventeen of those affected, approximately 33%, are under 5 years old, and 10 of those who’ve gotten ill are under one year old.
The sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than four inches long is banned under federal law because of repeated illnesses and outbreaks, according to the CDC. Some online retailers, pet stores and roadside markets still sell the turtles even with the ban in place.
The CDC warns that pet turtles of any size can carry salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything in the area where they live and roam.
Pet turtles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems who are more likely to become seriously ill.
Salmonella illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment, health officials said. Most people who are infected develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
The Second Round of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues Monday with a slate featuring No. 2 Vanderbilt vs. No. 7 Illinois on the eight-game schedule.
Here is the latest on Monday’s March Madness matchup, including expert picks from reporters across the USA TODAY Sports Network.
USA TODAY Sports has a team of journalists covering the women’s NCAA Tournament to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.
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No. 2 Vanderbilt vs No. 7 Illinois prediction
- Heather Burns: Vanderbilt
- Mitchell Northam: Vanderbilt
- Nancy Armour: Vanderbilt
- Cydney Henderson: Vanderbilt
- Meghan Hall: Vanderbilt
No. 2 Vanderbilt vs No. 7 Illinois odds
- Opening Moneyline: Vanderbilt (-1000)
- Opening Spread: Vanderbilt (-13.5)
- Opening Total: 153.5
How to Watch Vanderbilt vs Illinois on Monday
No. 2 Vanderbilt takes on No. 7 Illinois at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on March 23 at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The game is airing on ESPN2.
Stream March Madness on Fubo
2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament full schedule
- March 18-19: First Four
- March 20-21: First Round
- March 22-23: Second Round
- March 27-28: Sweet 16
- March 29-30: Elite 8
- April 3: Final Four
- April 5: National Championship
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is warning residents of a “new surge” in scam texts claiming to be from the DMV and demanding money.
According to a press release from Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, residents are receiving text messages falsely claiming to either be from his office or a DMV, threatening suspension of license and vehicle registration if “fines” are not paid.
The messages often include links that can be used to steal residents’ information, and Giannoulias’ office is reminding residents to use vigilance and caution when receiving such messages.
“These text messages look legitimate and are designed to frighten people into acting quickly before they have time to think,” Giannoulias said. “Our office will never send a text message demanding payment or threatening to suspend someone’s license. If you receive a message like this, remember it’s a scam – plain and simple. Do not click the link and please report the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov.”
According to his office, the messages often reference fake regulations or deadlines, and cite an upcoming enforcement date to add an air of urgency to the texts.
“These schemes are designed to create panic and trick individuals into surrendering money or personal information,” the Secretary of State’s Office said.
If a motorist receives a text, they are urged:
-NEVER to click a link
-Do not reply
-Do not provide personal information
-Forward the message to the SOS’ scam alert email.
The only legitimate text messages the Secretary of State’s Office sends are to remind motorists of upcoming appointments at DMV facilities.
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