For Immediate Release

10/5/2023

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Small Turtles

Ohio residents are advised to take measures to prevent infection

     The C.D.C. and public health officials are investigating multiple outbreaks of Salmonella that has been linked to small turtles. There have been 59 cases nationally, with 23 hospitalizations and no deaths. Three cases have been reported in Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is involved with the investigation and response within the state. Small turtles, especially those with shells less than 4 inches long, have been linked to many illnesses. Any pet turtles can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy.

     Salmonella is a bacterial disease that cause those infected to experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms tend to start anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. The standard turnaround time for recovery without any treatment is 4 to 7 days.

     It is important to handle turtles as safely and carefully as possible. To prevent infection, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding your turtle and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams. Do not kiss or snuggle a turtle, and don’t eat or drink around it. Doing so can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.

To get more info on the risk associated with small turtles, Salmonella, and how to prevent sickness, go to https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/turtles-08-23/index.html

###