Outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to small turtles

Hunterdon County Department of Health
   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that there are six ongoing multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infection linked with exposure to small turtles or their environments (e.g., water from a turtle habitat).
   One hundred forty nine ill persons have been identified in 28 states. Illness onset dates range from Aug. 3, 2011 to May 24, 2012. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year to 86 years, with a median age of 8 years. Seventy two percent of ill persons reported exposure to turtles prior to their illness.
   Ninety four percent of ill persons with turtle exposure specifically reported exposure to small turtles (shell length less than 4 inches). Thirty three percent of ill persons with small turtles reported purchasing the turtles from street vendors, and 22 percent reported purchasing small turtles from pet stores.
   Seven New Jersey residents have been identified in two of the six outbreaks. Some of the New Jersey cases have been linked to transient street vendors selling small turtles in predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhoods.
   Small turtles are a well-known source of human Salmonella infections, especially among young children.
   Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale and distribution of these turtles as pets since 1975. In New Jersey, the sale or distribution of turtles of any size is prohibited: although the commissioner of health may waive this prohibition of live turtles with a carapace length of 4 inches or greater if they are sold or distributed for the purposes of research, other zoological purposes or for food. Turtles should not be purchased as pets or given as gifts.
   The CDC has posted information on the outbreaks with links to public health advice for consumers on their website, www.cdc.gov/salmonella/small-turtles-03-12/index.html .
   ”After you touch amphibians or reptiles, wash your hands so you don’t get sick.”