Protecting Your Health and Well-being in the Midst of a Salmonella Outbreak
In a rather unusual appeal, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), headquartered in Atlanta, is urging young adults and the general public to refrain from engaging in a seemingly innocent act – kissing or snuggling turtles. This peculiar request comes as a response to a recent surge in salmonella cases that have affected a minimum of 26 individuals across 11 states, including two cases within Georgia. Alarmingly, nine of these cases have required hospitalization.
The CDC reminds us that federal regulations already ban the ownership of pet turtles with shells measuring less than 4 inches due to their potential to harbor various illnesses. However, it’s crucial to note that turtles of any size can also carry salmonella bacteria within their droppings.
As the CDC articulates in its advisory, “Avoid any close contact, such as kissing or snuggling, with your pet turtle, and take care not to consume food or beverages in their vicinity. These actions can unwittingly transmit Salmonella germs to your mouth, potentially leading to illness.”
Salmonella’s symptoms can manifest within a broad window of time, ranging from six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. These symptoms encompass fevers, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting, making it essential to exercise caution.
For the latest updates and comprehensive information regarding this ongoing outbreak, please refer to the CDC’s official website.
It’s worth noting that while turtles are currently under scrutiny due to the salmonella outbreak, there’s still no need to give up hope of encountering a charming amphibian; frogs remain exempt from the advisory, keeping the dream of turning one into a prince alive.
