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Salmonella outbreak in children due to small turtles in US; CDC warns, infection spreads to 21 states
The US CDC has warned that small turtles are responsible for a salmonella outbreak that has spread to 21 states. At least 51 people have been infected with the bacteria – 38 people were infected with the Salmonella Stanley strain and 13 people were infected with the Salmonella Poona strain. Read on for more information.
Salmonella or salmonellosis, an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria that usually clears up on its own within a few days
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is conducting a multistate investigation Salmonella There have been outbreaks of the disease in several U.S. states, reportedly linked to small turtles with shells 4 inches long or less. At least 51 people in 20 states have been infected with the disease, and 23 of those infected have been hospitalized, according to the CDC.
“The actual number of ill people in this outbreak is likely far higher than reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to just the states with known illnesses,” the C.D.C. said. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.”
Officials say the outbreak under investigation is mostly affecting young children, as 17 of the cases are under the age of 5 and 10 are under the age of 1. Most of those affected live in California, Florida, New York and Georgia. However, no deaths have been reported so far.
FDA law bans sale of small turtles
Federal law prohibits the sale and distribution of small turtles with a shell less than four inches long because these reptiles cause illness — especially in young children, the C.D.C. says. However, many online, in-store and roadside retailers still sell these animals as pets.
People become sick by touching the turtle or anything around it, then touching their mouth or food with dirty hands and swallowing the Salmonella germs.
What is Salmonella?
SalmonellaOr salmonellosishave an infection Salmonella bacteria Which usually gets better on its own within a few days. According to doctors, most people who get infected with the bacteria experience the following:
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- dehydration
- dry mouth
The condition usually lasts four to seven days, but many people recover from the illness without treatment. However, some people may have severe symptoms that require hospitalization. Salmonella Symptoms begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. Statistics show Salmonella bacteria Each year in the United States there are approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths.
Ways to prevent the spread of Salmonella
If you have a pet turtle, be sure to wash your hands regularly after handling and feeding the animal, the CDC recommends. Avoid kissing or cuddling turtles. They should also be kept away from kitchens and other areas where people eat, store or prepare food.
Doctors recommend against releasing turtles into the wild, as they can harm wildlife and may be restricted by law depending on the state. Turtle owners should contact a local reptile rescue organization, animal shelter, or pet store about options for safely rehoming their turtle.
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