Delco Salmonella Infections Tied To Pet Turtles Sold At Roadside

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — State health officials are warning Delaware County residents of a salmonella outbreak tied to small pet turtles being sold in the area.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health Wednesday reported an outbreak of Salmonella linked to small pet turtles purchased from roadside or street vendors.

According to officials, eight of the cases have occurred in people living in Delaware County or Philadelphia. Seven of the cases have occurred among children ages 0 to 10 years old. Additionally, one adult has died with salmonellosis being one of the contributing factors.

Of the four people who reported the species of turtle in their home, all four reported small red-eared sliders.

Additionally, all four said they got their turtles from transient street or roadside vendors.

Three of the reported vendors were located in Philadelphia.

"While we continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of this investigation, the cause of these serious Salmonella cases has been linked to small pet turtles," Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. "The majority of the cases have occurred in children living in the southeastern part of the state This is concerning, as Salmonella can be particularly serious for children. Anyone who has purchased a small pet turtle and became ill should contact their health care provider, their local health department or the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258)."

The department is investigating nine laboratory-confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses.

Salmonellosis is a serious infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptom is diarrhea. However, other symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. In addition, salmonellosis can cause severe illnesses — such bloodstream infections, bone and joint infections, and meningitis — and can be particularly serious for young children, the elderly, and persons with weak immune systems, health officials said.

Officials recommend families with those at higher risk of invasive disease should avoid keeping turtles as pets.

Healthy turtles, as well as other reptiles, are known to carry Salmonella and intermittently shed the bacteria in their feces throughout their lifespan.

Humans can become infected with Salmonella through direct contact with turtles, turtle habitats such as tank water, and through indirect contact by cross contamination of objects and surfaces.

For families that own turtles, it is important to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of Salmonella:

• Always wash hands with soap and water after handling turtles and/or changing water in the tank;
• Do not allow turtles in kitchen, dining room, or any area in which food is prepared and consumed. Also, do not allow turtles in bathroom sinks, tubs, or any area where infants are bathed;
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling turtles;
• Do not kiss or snuggle turtles; and
• Those at high risk of disease (e.g., children less than 5 years of age, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons) should avoid contact with turtles.

Anyone who came into contact with a turtle and became ill should contact their health care provider to assure appropriate specimens are collected and treatment is administered if necessary.

Sick individuals, health care providers, or laboratories can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-724-3258 or can contact their local health department.