Small turtles purchased online have sickened 15 people across 11 states with salmonella, according to an investigation report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

What You Need To Know

  • The CDC investigation found many of the individuals purchased turtles with shells no longer than 4 inches from online websites

  • There is a federal law banning the sale of small turtles as pets

  • Five of the 15 individuals have been hospitalized from the illness

Through interviews with the sickened individuals, laboratory data and purchase information, the CDC investigation found many of the individuals purchased turtles with shells no longer than 4 inches from online websites. 

Half of the people who purchased their turtles online bought them from a website called myturtlestore.com, according to the CDC, even though there is a federal law banning the sale of small turtles as pets. 

Pet turtles of any size can carry salmonella germs in their droppings, according to the CDC, even if they are healthy. Pet turtle owners can get sick with the disease by touching the turtle or anything in its environment, and then touching your mouth or food with unwashed hands.

The CDC states the number of cases is likely larger than reported. So far, the following states have reported salmonella cases from tiny turtles:

  • Ohio: Two cases
  • Pennsylvania: Two cases
  • New York: One case
  • Massachusettes: One case
  • Virginia: One case
  • Tennessee: Two cases
  • South Carolina: One case
  • Florida: One case
  • Iowa: One case
  • Kansas: One case
  • Washington: Two cases

Five of the 15 individuals have been hospitalized from the illness. Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the CDC. Symptoms can start anywhere between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure. Most people can recover within a week with no treatment, however, there are susceptible groups that can develop severe infections, including young children under 5, adults 65 and older and immunocompromised people.

When it comes to having turtles as pets, the CDC offered this advice:

  • Only buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches and buy them from reputable pet stores or rescues
  • Wash your hands after touching, feeding or caring for your turtle—adults should make sure young children are washing their hands properly
  • For those who no longer want their pet turtle, they should reach out to the local pet store or reptile rescue

Pet turtles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems, as they are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry.

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