Pet turtles are making Americans across the country sick to their stomach. Over 50 people in 21 states have recently been sickened by Salmonella bacteria tied to small turtles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly two dozen people have been hospitalized as a result, though none have died.
The first known cases date back to August 2023, while the latest were reported earlier this July. There are two concurrent strains tied to the outbreaks: Salmonella Stanley and Salmonella Poona. Most cases have involved the former. There are currently 51 reported cases along with 23 hospitalizations as of August 16. But as is often true with these sorts of outbreaks, the actual toll of illness is probably worse.
“The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella,” the CDC said in its announcement of the outbreak. “In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
Turtles and other reptiles routinely carry Salmonella strains that can potentially make us sick, even if they’re healthy and clean. Those turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are an especially common vector of these bacteria. This added risk is why small turtles are federally banned from being sold and distributed in the country. People can still get their hands on these pets being illegally sold at flea markets, roadside stands, or online easily enough, though.
While most cases of Salmonella cause little more than a few days to a week of gastrointestinal misery, the infection can be dangerous on rare occasions. About 26,500 Americans are estimated to be hospitalized by the bug every year, while over 400 die from it. Serious infections are more common in the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella outbreaks are usually spread through eating or drinking contaminated food, but exotic pets have been a more common theme this year. So far in 2024, people have gotten sick from coming into close contact with small turtles, breaded dragons, and backyard poultry. It isn’t just touching these pets directly that can get you into trouble either—touching their environment and then putting your hands near your mouth can also spark an infection. So for those less inclined to risk catching Salmonella, more conventional pets look to be the safer bet.
