There have been at least 11 large Salmonella outbreaks so far this year.
We have a lot of the usual suspects, including cantaloupes, mangoes, ground beef, and live poultry, and of course small turtles.
It has been illegal to sell or distribute these small turtles since 1975, but that hasn't kept them out of the hands of many people, including families with young children.
The latest outbreak has gotten at least 168 people sick with Salmonella, including 34 people who were sick enough to be hospitalized. Most of those who got sick were less than 11-years-old, including 27% who were 12 months of age or younger.
These ongoing outbreaks are a great reminder that small turtles, other reptiles, and amphibians, don't make good pets if you have children 5-years-old or younger in your home or older children or adults with weakened immune systems.
Remember that reptiles (turtles, snakes, and lizards) and amphibians (frogs and toads) can be a source of human Salmonella infections and can get your kids sick. That's a good reason to avoid these pets if you have young children in your home, to keep them out of child care centers and nursery schools, and to tell your pediatrician if your child has been around a reptile or amphibian and he has any salmonella symptoms.
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Pet Turtles and Salmonella
Salmonella Outbreaks
High Risk Foods
