Hi. I'm Kaylea Nemechek, an epidemiologist at CDC.
We're investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles.
When we say small turtles, we mean turtles with a shell less than four inches long.
Unfortunately, a lot of people in this outbreak are children.
Most of the people we spoke to told us they bought small turtles online.
However, it's illegal to sell small turtles
because of the many illnesses they've caused.
Stay healthy by choosing the right pet.
If you're thinking about getting a pet turtle, only buy or adopt turtles
with shells longer than four inches.
Any turtle can have Salmonella germs, even if they look healthy and clean.
Always wash your hands with soap and water after touching or caring
for your pet turtle and help kids wash their hands properly.
If you have severe Salmonella symptoms, contact a health care provider right away.
For more information about Salmonella symptoms
and this outbreak, go to cdc.gov/salmonella