Safety Report: Multistate Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Linked to Small Turtles, USA

United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials across 21 states in USA are investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella Stanley and Salmonella Poona infections, linked to contact with small turtles. A total of 51 people from 21 states have been reported sick, with illnesses starting from August 20, 2023, to July 9, 2024. The outbreak has affected 38 people with the Salmonella Stanley strain and 13 people with the Salmonella Poona strain. Of the 48 people with available information, 23 (48%) have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Affected states are AK, CA, CO, NM, MI, IL, IN, OH, PA, KY, TN, VA, NC, MD, NJ, AL, GA, FL, NY, CT, MA.

Of the 41 people interviewed, 27 (66%) reported contact with pet turtles. Of these, 21 (91%) reported contact with pet turtles with shells less than 4 inches long.

The actual number of sick people is likely higher than reported, as many recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. Furthermore, recent illnesses may not yet be reported due to the 3 to 4 weeks it typically takes to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Laboratory and traceback data were collected using the PulseNet system, which manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria causing gastrointestinal illnesses. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically, indicating that people in these outbreaks likely got sick from the same type of animal.

In June and July 2024, samples were collected from turtles in California and Illinois, respectively. The WGS performed showed that the Salmonella serotype Poona from the turtles was closely related to the bacteria from sick people. Eighteen people in both outbreaks reported purchasing or receiving these small turtles from a variety of locations, including street vendors, online retailers, and souvenir shops. A common turtle supplier to these locations has not been identified.

Eighteen people in both outbreaks reported purchasing or receiving these small turtles from a variety of locations:

Street vendors, 5 (28%)
Online retailers, 4 (22%)
Souvenir shops, 4 (22%)
Received as gift, 2 (11%)
Swap meets, 1 (6%)
Pet stores, 1 (6%)
Social media, 1 (6%)

The CDC advises the public to take steps to stay healthy around pet turtles, including washing hands, playing safely, and keeping supplies and the pet area clean. The sale and distribution of small turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are banned under federal law.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.cdc.gov/salmonella/turtles-08-24/details.html