Outbreaks of salmonellosis from small turtles

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Turtle-associated salmonellosis (TAS), especially in children, is a reemerging public health issue. In 1975, sales of small pet turtles (shell length <4 inches) were banned by federal law; following the ban, reductions in pediatric TAS were observed. Since 2006, the number of multistate TAS outbreaks has increased. We describe 8 multistate outbreaks with illness-onset dates occurring in 2011C2013. Methods: We conducted epidemiologic, environmental, and traceback investigations. Cases were defined as infection with ¡Ý1 of 10 molecular subtypes of Salmonella Sandiego, Pomona, Poona, Typhimurium, and I 4,[5],12:i:-. Water samples from turtle habitats linked to human illnesses were cultured for Salmonella. Results: We identified 8 outbreaks totaling 473 cases from 41 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico with illness onsets during May 2011CSeptember 2013. The median patient age was 4 years (range: 1 monthC94 years); 45% percent were Hispanic; and 28% were hospitalized. In the week preceding illness, 68% (187 of 273) of case-patients reported turtle exposure; among these, 88% (124 of 141) described small turtles. Outbreak strains were isolated from turtle habitats linked to human illnesses in seven outbreaks. Traceback investigations identified 2 Louisiana turtle farms as the source of small turtles linked to 1 outbreak; 1 outbreak strain was isolated from turtle pond water from 1 turtle farm. Conclusions: Eight multistate outbreaks associated with small turtles were investigated during 2011C2013. Children <5 years and Hispanics were disproportionately affected. Prevention efforts should focus on patient education targeting families with young children and Hispanics and enactment of state and local regulations to complement federal sales restrictions.