| There are many people who want to adopt these | | | | If you manage to follow those simple guidelines and |
| cute little pets but want to know what the link is | | | | have done your research, you can still choose to |
| between Salmonella and turtles. Most are probably | | | | adopt one. Just remember that the risk of Salmonella |
| already aware of the Salmonella threat that lies in | | | | and turtles will always be there. If you have a pet |
| turtles. The same people may wonder if there is a | | | | turtle already and feel you may have it, here are |
| way to find a turtle without it, or possibly rid them of | | | | some commonly reported symptoms of Salmonella |
| it by cleaning. | | | | poisoning: |
| Unfortunately, most turtle lovers will find themselves | | | | Nausea and Vomiting |
| out of luck as turtles carry non-typhoid Salmonella | | | | Diarrhea (in some cases, bloody) |
| (the leading cause of food infection) on their shells | | | | Stomach and Abdominal Cramping |
| and skin as a part of their natural bacterial make-up. | | | | Fever and Headache |
| It's something that they're born with. Most cases of | | | | These are signs that should begin to appear a few |
| Salmonella caused by turtles were more often those | | | | days after infection. Though your immune system |
| with weakened immune systems, such as the ill or | | | | can kill it, check in with a doctor when the symptoms |
| elderly, and children. | | | | emerge, especially if it worsens or feels prolonged. |
| When you understand the connection between | | | | On a more encouraging note, there are turtles that |
| Salmonella and turtles and you still wish to adopt a | | | | carry less Salmonella than others. Just be selective |
| turtle as a pet, the most you can do is to handle it | | | | about which one you get. And the majority of cases |
| carefully. Wash your hands after touching it, keep it | | | | reported of Salmonella and turtles were concerning |
| out of the kitchen and away from food, do not | | | | young children. If you are old enough and capable, |
| bathe it in a kitchen or bathroom sink or a bathtub, | | | | and do not have a young child living with you, you |
| and keep it in its cage most of the time. Also, try to | | | | have a better chance of not getting infected. Just |
| keep smaller children away from it, as they may try | | | | continue to do your best to follow the safety tips. |
| to kiss it, or if young enough, even eat the turtle. | | | | |