Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Agbeni Infections Linked to Pet Turtles, 2017
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Posted August 29, 2017 1:00 PM ET
Outbreak Advisory
37
Cases
13
States
16
Hospitalizations
0
Death
- CDC and multiple states are investigating a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella infections linked to contact with pet turtles.
- Thirty-seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Agbeni have been reported from 13 states.
- Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 1, 2017 to August 3, 2017
- Of 33 people with available information, 16 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
- Twelve (32%) ill people are children 5 years of age or younger.
- Epidemiologic and laboratory findings link the outbreak of human Salmonella Agbeni infections to contact with turtles or their environments, such as water from a turtle habitat.
- In interviews, ill people answered questions about contact with animals during the week before becoming ill. Fifteen (45%) of the 33 people interviewed reported contact with turtles or their environments, such as water from a turtle habitat, before getting sick.
- In interviews with 9 ill people about where their turtles came from, 6 reported buying a turtle from a flea market or street vendor, or receiving the turtle as a gift.
- In 2015, state and local health officials collected samples from turtles at a street vendor. Whole genome sequencing showed that the Salmonella Agbeni isolated from ill people in this outbreak is closely related genetically to the Salmonella Agbeni isolates from turtles. This close genetic relationship means that people in this outbreak are more likely to share a common source of infection.
- Do not buy small turtles as pets or give them as gifts.
- Since 1975, the FDA has banned selling and distributing turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because they are often linked to Salmonella infections, especially in young children.
- All turtles, regardless of size, can carry Salmonella bacteria even if they look healthy and clean. These outbreaks are a reminder to follow simple steps to enjoy pet reptiles and keep your family healthy.
- This outbreak is expected to continue since consumers might be unaware of the risk of Salmonella infection from small turtles. If properly cared for, turtles have a long life expectancy.
Tips to Stay Healthy while Caring for Turtles
- CDC recommends that households with young children do not keep turtles or other reptiles as pets.
- Handwashing is the best way to prevent illness. Wash your hands with soap and water right after handling or caring for small turtles or their tanks.
Read our infographic[PDF – 1 page] for information about outbreaks of human illness linked to turtles, and more tips on how to stay healthy.
More Information
- Turtles Kept as Pets
- The Trouble with Tiny Turtles[PDF – 1 page]
-
After you touch amphibians or reptiles, wash your hands so you don’t get sick![PDF – 1 page]
- Poster available in English, French, and Chinese
- Healthy Pets Healthy People
- Reptiles and Salmonella
- CDC Salmonellawebpage
Information for Veterinarians and Health Professionals
- CDC State Turtle-Associated Salmonellosis Laws PDF – 13 pages
- Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2013
- Page last reviewed: August 29, 2017
- Page last updated: August 29, 2017
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