Salmonella Outbreak Across 11 States Linked To Turtles

The first case was discovered in October of last year and new cases have been reported almost every month since then.

An outbreak of Salmonella across 11 states including North Carolina, has been linked to turtles.

The outbreak spans across the U.S. with Tennessee being hit the hardest reporting six cases total. There are also cases in Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, California, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The first case was discovered in October of last year and new cases have been reported almost every month since then. At least 26 people have reportedly fell ill due to salmonella, with nine hospitalizations.

Turtles of any size can carry Salmonella, even if they appear healthy and clean. People can get sick from touching a turtle and then touching their mouth or food with unwashed hands swallowing Salmonella genes.

Those who come in contact with turtles should refrain from handling and feeding the animals, and those with pet turtles should avoid kissing or snuggling them and keep them away from the kitchen or other areas where people eat, store or prepare food.