For Immediate Release: April 2, 2012

Media contact: Aimee Barabe Cell: 505-470-2290

Department of Health Warns of Salmonella Risk in Small Turtles (Santa Fe) -- The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is advising families to avoid potential exposure to Salmonella by not purchasing small turtles or giving them to children for pets. NMDOH has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state health departments over the last several months on a multistate outbreak of Salmonella related to exposure with small turtles. Of the sixty-six patients from sixteen states who became ill with Salmonella due to this outbreak, 3 are from New Mexico (2 children less than 5 years old and one adult). It is important to protect New Mexicos families from this potentially fatal disease by reminding the public to take proper precautions when handling all reptiles and amphibians, said Dr. Catherine Torres, Cabinet Secretary for NMDOH. Salmonella is completely avoidable when preventative measures are followed properly. Contact with reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, and lizards) and amphibians (such as frogs and toads) can be a source of human Salmonella infections. Small turtles, with a shell length of less than 4 inches, are a well-known source of human Salmonella infection, especially among young children. Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale and distribution of these turtles since 1975. Amphibians and reptiles can carry Salmonella germs and still appear healthy and clean. Salmonella germs are shed in their droppings and can easily contaminate their bodies and anything in areas where these animals live. Reptiles and amphibians that live in tanks or aquariums can contaminate the water with germs, which can spread to people. We have had reports of small turtles being sold out of the back of vehicles in store parking lots, said Paul Ettestad, NMDOHs public health veterinarian. It is important to realize that while these turtles dont appear sick, they often carry the bacteria Salmonella that can be extremely harmful to humans. Most persons infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed from a stool sample. The illness usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella bacteria may spread to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

NMDOH recommends the following preventive measures: Do not purchase turtles with shell length less than 4 inches in size. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching any live reptile, amphibian or anything in the area where they live. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children. Do not let reptiles out into the house to roam or be handled by young children. Keep turtles out of homes with children younger than 5 years old, elderly persons, or people with weakened immune systems. Turtles and other reptiles should not be kept in child care centers, schools, or other facilities with children younger than 5 years old. To learn more about Salmonella infection from small turtles and links to advice on other reptiles visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/small-turtles-03-12/advice-consumers.html. ###