In the interest of full disclosure, I feel compelled to come clean: Growing up, I had a variety of small turtles as pets. They were all named Myrtle and they all led regrettably short lives. Did I handle them? Of course. Did I get sick? Not that I can recall. However, knowing what I know now, I can’t help thinking I was incredibly lucky not to have gotten seriously ill.
Salmonella Warning from the CDC
In the Feb, 3 issue of its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported it was working with the Pennsylvania State Health Department to investigate an 18-state outbreak of Salmonella illnesses associated with handling small turtles.
Despite the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA), more than three-decade ban on the sale of turtles less than 4 inches long for other than for educational purposes, the tiny reptiles are still being sold illegally at fairs, flea markets and on the Internet.
And while pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at high risk for a Salmonella infection, young children make up the largest number of patients. According to the CDC’s Feb. 3 Weekly Report, from Aug. 5, 2010 to Sept. 26, 2011,132 cases of infection from Salmonella were reported. The median age of infected patients was 6 and two-thirds were under the age of 10.
Although many reptiles carry Salmonella, small turtles pose a greater risk to young children because they are perceived as safe pets, are small enough to be placed in the mouth, and can be handled as toys,” explained the CDC.
Cute but Contaminated
There is no denying that turtles appear cute and harmless. They are, however, natural hosts for Salmonella bacteria, the source of the human disease, salmonellosis.
The most common symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours of contact with the bacteria. Additional symptoms may manifest as chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting that can last up to seven days. Salmonellosis can be life-threatening, especially to children under 5.
These little turtles are not appropriate pets for young children,” said Larry K. Pickering, MD, FAAP, and editor of an American Academy of Pediatrics’ book on infectious diseases, Red Book. He goes so far as to recommend parents with young children remove turtles from the home.
What to Do if You Have a Turtle
If you have a small turtle and choose to keep it, the CDC recommends the following safety precautions to ensure your family is Salmonella-free:
– Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling a turtle, its tank, any of its paraphernalia, or after contact with its feces. Don’t touch your face, other people, or any surface until your hands are washed.
– Caution children against touching their faces and putting their hands in their mouths after handling a turtle and make sure they understand the importance of washing their hands with soap and water after any contact with the reptile.
– Wash all surfaces your turtle’s tank or paraphernalia has come in contact with.
– Separate your turtle from any possible contact with food, and do not allow it to roam freely in any living areas.
– Do not use the kitchen sink to wash your turtle or its dishes and tank.
– Disinfect any area you use to wash your turtle, its paraphernalia or its tank with bleach.
– Never hold, change or feed an infant after handling a turtle. Keep turtles away from persons with an increased risk for infection.
Buyer Beware
If you are still considering the purchase of a small turtle, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions that some breeders and pet shops sell reptiles they claim to be Salmonella-free. However, the AAP’s Dr. Pickering warns that reptiles can easily become re-infected with Salmonella from the environment.
“Turtles are Salmonella factories,” said Dr. Pickering. “All reptiles basically carry Salmonella. You have to assume if you see a turtle that it’s got Salmonella in its intestines.”
Sources
Food Safety News
Health.com
