Small Pet Turtle Called Cause of Salmonella Outbreak in Children in America

Six people in this outbreak admitted to buying their turtles online.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON — Little turtles are adorable to some who keep them. But who would have thought this cute creature was reported as the cause animal salmonella epidemic in children in the United States (US).

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned the public to avoid hugging and kissing after reports of a salmonella outbreak. The health agency said at least 15 people had been infected salmonella with five hospitalized, although no deaths have been reported, according to the investigation.

“One can get salmonella by touching kura-kura or something in its environment and then touching the mouth and handling food, regardless of the size of the animal,” the CDC report said NY PostSaturday (23/7/2022).

The average age of those affected is between one and 59 years, with outbreaks reported in 11 states so far. However, the CDC said the number could be higher because many cases may not have been reported and many people recovered without seeking medical attention.

The CDC also notes that it generally takes two to four weeks to determine if someone who is sick has the plague. The institute added that symptoms caused by the bacteria include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps which usually resolve in four to seven days.

Health officials investigating the outbreak have interviewed nine people affected so far. The team found eight people interacted with pet turtles the week before they fell ill.

The CDC says there are six people in the outbreak who claim to have purchased their turtles online, with three purchases from a website called MyTurtleStore.com. Of the three, two had strains of the bacteria collected from sick people. Seven people said they had come into contact with turtles that were less than four inches long.

The CDC does not recommend pet turtles for children under five, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. That’s because these groups are more susceptible to disease from germs that can be carried by turtles.

The public must always be vigilant by implementing good health patterns. Diligently wash your hands with soap and running water after touching or feeding turtles. Then after touching or cleaning the area where the animal lives. It is now known that even though the law prohibits the sale of small turtles, some are still being sold illegally.