Small Turtles Linked To Salmonella Outbreak

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 20 Oct 2009 - 9:00 PDT

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A new study links a recent 34-state, 107-person outbreak of salmonellosis - an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella - with exposure to small turtles. In the study, "Continuing Risk of Salmonellosis From Small Turtles: Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Associated With Small Turtle Exposure, 2007-2008," researchers interviewed 78 patients or parents of patients (median patient age, 7) diagnosed with Salmonella during the outbreak.

Thirty-three percent of the patients were hospitalized from the potentially fatal illness, and 60 percent reported exposure to a turtle during the week before their illness. Most of the reported turtle exposures were to small turtles less than 4 inches in length. Since 1975, the U.S. has banned the sale of small turtles because of Salmonella risks. The study authors say that despite a federal ban, small turtles continue to be sold in the U.S. and pose a health risk, especially to young children.

Source
American Academy of Pediatrics

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