Attention California, STOP KISSING TURTLES!
I get it! Who hasn't seen the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and wondered what it would be like to make out with one of those pizza-loving, butt-kicking reptiles? But we don't do it! Mainly because Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo are fictional (I'm talking about the turtles). And, because that'd be really, really weird!
Now we get official word of WHY we shouldn't kiss the heroes in a half-shell or (getting away from the silly TMNT theme) our pets that potentially could outlive all of us. Kissing and cuddling these animals could make you sick.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued an investigation notice of a Salmonella Outbreak in 11 states including California that has been linked to small turtles!
"Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella linked to small turtles. Although any turtle can carry Salmonella germs that can spread to you and make you sick, turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are a known source of illness." – CDC.gov
Now there are laws in place to stop the sale of smaller turtles due to the potential of illness. But still, they find their way to becoming pets.
How To Stay Safe Around Your Turtle
A wise man once said common sense is hardly ever common. Wash your hands, keep your area (and your pet's area) clean. Avoid letting your pet turtle near your food and kissing and snuggling your turtle. For more tips to stay healthy around your pet turtle, click here.
Illness Symptoms from Salmonella
According to the CDC, symptoms include: diarrhea, fever, vomiting, dehydration and abdominal cramps. Symptoms may occur within 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting the bacteria after becoming exposed. If you believe you have a case of Salmonella, reach out to your healthcare professional.
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