Got a Turtle at Home? It's A Danger That Can Stalk Children

Turtles may look very beautiful, but adopting a small turtle is carrying more risk than thought. An outbreak of salmonella associated with pets, has left at least 29 sick people, thus making the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issue a special warning.
Like other reptiles, turtles can carry bacteria that cause salmonellosis, a potentially deadly infection with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The handling of animals or close contact with their habitats is enough to make people sick, especially small children.

As a result of this problem, 16 people were rushed to the hospital in the last six months and covered 13 states across the country. Of the 37 reported cases, 12 of the patients were five years old, and some were younger.
A study from 2015, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, suggests that early salmonella infections are not the only risk. Children infected through reptiles may also be more likely to catch more serious bacterial infections, such as meningitis or colitis later in life.
Children are exposed to salmonella infection after making contact with reptiles. As many as 48% of children were hospitalized compared to 19% of children with other types of salmonella infections. Approximately 17% have more serious infections.

Turtles are sold on foot
Previous CDC has suggested that families with young children do not make reptiles or amphibians as pets. While all the turtles can carry salmonella. Food and drug administration in the US has long banned the sale of turtles because they are often associated with the infection. However, it turns out these little turtles can still be found in flea markets, street vendors, and souvenir shops.
If you have turtles, always wash your hands after touching their habitat, food, and equipment. Children or adults older than 65, should never handle them, because they have a higher risk of serious illness. If you still want to keep the tortoise, you should consult a veterinarian about proper care.