Tiny turtles leads to salmonella outbreak, CDC warns

The mini reptiles have caused 37 people across 13 states to be infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Agbeni since March.

The Centers for Disease Control issued the warning after 16 people across 13 states were hospitalized with salmonella poisoning after handling small pet turtles often sold at flea markets. Many of the patients were children, who have weaker immune systems than adults.

Salmonella poisoning can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever, often bad enough for hospitalization. In rare cases, it can also lead to death.

These tiny turtles carry salmonella on their shells, on their bodies and in their droppings, so any contact with the turtles should be followed by washing your hands with soap. This also means any area touched by a turtle — cages and any areas where they’ve walked — can transmit the infection.

The CDC warns that no turtles under 4 inches long should be sold as pets or gifts.

“Do not buy small turtles as pets or give them as gifts,” the public health institute warns on its website. They warn to only buy turtles at reputable pet stores.

The Food and Drug Administration has banned the selling of turtles with shells smaller than 4 inches since 1975 because of their salmonella connection.

CDC warns