NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina is part of an outbreak of salmonella cases linked to small turtles. It’s one of 11 states across the U.S. that are named in the outbreak.
CDC data shows 26 people have gotten sick nationwide from October 2022 to July. North Carolina reported two cases.
The CDC says most of the cases are tied to pet turtles.
The agency says do not kiss or snuggle your turtle and make sure to wash your hands after touching it.
There’s already a federal law that doesn’t allow turtles with shells less than 4 inches long to be bought or sold, the CDC said. It’s because they’ve caused people to get sick, especially young children.
But the CDC said the small turtles are still often bought and sold illegally, at roadside stands, flea markets, online and in stores.
The agency also said turtles of any size can have salmonella in their waste, even if they look healthy and clean. Those germs can spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything else near where they live.
That means a person can get sick from touching a turtle or anything in its environment and then touching their mouth or food without washing their hands.
(WATCH BELOW: Salmonella: What you need to know)
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