Key points
Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with pet turtles. All of the sick people are children younger than 10 years old. Although any turtle can carry Salmonella germs that can spread to you and make you sick, turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are a known source of illness. Always take steps to stay healthy around pet turtles.
Where people got sick
This map shows where the 8 people in this Salmonella outbreak lived.
These outbreaks may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.
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