Key points
Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with pet turtles. Half of the sick people are children younger than 5 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.
When people got sick
This chart shows when the 20 people in this Salmonella outbreak got sick.
Recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. The true number of sick people in this outbreak is also 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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