CDC Issues Warning After Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak Among Children Is Linked To Small Turtles
A new report by the CDC has revealed that the nationwide salmonella outbreak is linked to small turtles.
Since January 3, fifteen cases of salmonella have been reported from eleven states. A majority of the cases are concentrated on the east coast, including states such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida.
So far, only the state of Washington has been affected on the west coast.
Salmonella is a bacteria that targets the intestinal tract and often results in symptoms such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, and fever, according to the CDC.
And the origin of this outbreak has been traced to small turtles with shells no larger than four inches long.
Eighty-eight percent of the people who have contracted salmonella reported coming into contact with a turtle within one week of falling ill. Most were small-shelled pet turtles purchased from online retailers.
Salmonella infections most commonly occur through contact with contaminated food– such as raw meat– or water.
However, it can also be contracted from birds and reptiles– particularly feces droppings.
The CDC explained how this current outbreak is likely linked to turtle droppings that can easily transfer to tank water, their bodies, and any other surface they touch.
Pavlo Vakhrushev – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
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Of the fifteen salmonella cases reported, five people have been hospitalized. Moreover, no deaths have been reported.
However, the CDC warns that “the true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher”– especially because salmonella symptoms may take up to six days to surface.
In turn, the center is advising all turtle owners to remain cautious and vigilant. Remember to always wash your hands after engaging with the reptile and keep your pet’s tank clean.
And until the exact retail source of the outbreak is ascertained, the CDC is advising adults to abstain from purchasing turtles with shells less than four inches long online.
For more information on how to healthily engage with your pet turtle, visit the link here. Or, to read the CDC’s complete report, visit the link here.
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