A multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles has sickened dozens of people in 21 states, including Illinois, federal officials said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 51 people have become ill after coming into contact with small turtles with shells less than four inches long. Of those who have become ill, two people are from Illinois and another two live in Indiana.
Seventeen of those affected, approximately 33%, are under the age of 5 and 10 of those who have become ill are under the age of one.
The sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than four inches long is prohibited by federal law because of repeated disease and outbreaks, according to the CDC. Some online retailers, pet stores and roadside markets still sell the turtles even with the ban in place.
The CDC warns that pet turtles of all sizes can carry salmonella bacteria in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These bacteria can easily spread to their bodies, tank water and everything in the area where they live and roam.
Pet turtles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems who are more likely to become seriously ill.
Salmonella illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment, health officials said. Most people who are infected develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.