ATLANTA — The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating salmonella outbreaks in multiple states.
26 people have been confirmed to be infected so far. What Agencies Know So Farthey are associated with small turtles, mainly pets.
Two cases have been reported in the state of Georgia among the nationwide cases. According to the CDC.
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Public health officials have issued warnings about the spread of the virus, saying the outbreak may not be limited to states where cases have been reported.
“The number of people who are actually ill may be higher than reported, because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella,” he said. CDC reported.
As of the latest update, cases have been reported in California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia.
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Turtles that have been implicated in salmonella outbreaks include: CDC explained It’s like a turtle with a carapace less than 4 inches long.
Nine people were hospitalized due to Salmonella infections associated with this outbreak, but no deaths have been reported since the beginning of the investigation.
“Tortoises with a shell length of less than 4 inches cause many diseases, especially in young children, and federal law prohibits their sale and distribution as pets,” the CDC said. “Despite the ban, these turtles can still be found illegally online, in stores, at flea markets and at roadside stations.”
The agency warned that pet turtles of any size, even if they appear healthy and clean, can carry salmonella. Bacteria are usually found in turtle droppings and can easily spread on the turtle’s body, aquarium water, and anywhere the turtle lives or roams.
According to the CDC, serious symptoms of salmonella include:
- Diarrhea and fever above 102°F
- Diarrhea that persists for more than 3 days and does not improve
- bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting too much to keep fluids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- don’t pee much
- dry mouth and throat
- Feel dizzy when standing up
People with these symptoms are advised to call their healthcare provider immediately.
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