CDC Links Salmonella Outbreak in 21 States to Pet Turtles, 51 Sickened

Aug 19, 2024, 09:11 PM

A salmonella outbreak linked to pet turtles has sickened at least 51 people across 21 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tests conducted on turtles and their environments in California and Illinois confirmed one of the two outbreak strains. Of the 41 individuals interviewed, 66% reported contact with pet turtles, and 21 out of 23 individuals who specified turtle size had interacted with turtles with shells less than 4 inches long. The CDC is actively investigating the outbreak, which has notably affected children.