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Department of Health warns of salmonella outbreak linked to pet turtles

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Health is currently investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to small pet turtles purchased from roadside or street vendors.

The department is looking into nine laboratory-confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses. Eight of the cases have occurred in people living in Philadelphia or Delaware counties. Seven of the cases have occurred among children, ranging from 0 to 10 years old. One adult death has occurred in which salmonellosis was one of the contributing factors, according to a news release.

“While we continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of this investigation, the cause of these serious Salmonella cases has been linked to small pet turtles,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “The majority of the cases have occurred in children living in the southeastern part of the state. This is concerning, as Salmonella can be particularly serious for children. Anyone who has purchased a small pet turtle and became ill should contact their health care provider, their local health department or the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).”

Salmonellosis is a serious infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea is the most common symptom, but other symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. In addition, salmonellosis can cause severe illness (e.g., bloodstream infection, bone and joint infection, meningitis) and can be particularly serious for young children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems. DOH recommends that families with individuals at higher risk of invasive disease should avoid keeping turtles as pets.

Healthy turtles, as well as other reptiles, are known to carry Salmonella and intermittently shed the bacteria in their feces throughout their lifespan. Humans can become infected with Salmonella through direct contact with turtles, turtle habitats (e.g., tank water) and through indirect contact by cross contamination of objects and surfaces.

Of the four people who reported the species of turtle in their home, all four reported small red-eared sliders. Of the four people who reported where they obtained their turtle, all four obtained their turtles from transient street or roadside vendors. Three of the reported vendors were located in Philadelphia.

For more information about Salmonella and other illnesses, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov.