HHS HealthBeat (April 12, 2012)

Tiny turtles

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Nicholas Garlow with HHS HealthBeat.

Salmonellosis is an infection from the bacteria Salmonella, which lives in food, water, and animals. In a 13-month period spanning to September, 2011, small turtles were a frequent culprit for spreading this infection.

Dr. Janell Routh is at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.” (7 seconds)

The infection usually lasts four to seven days. Those at higher risk include infants, older adults, and those with a weakened immune system.

“People need to wash their hands with soap and warm water after touching any retile or amphibian. Don’t let children under five handle reptiles or amphibians.” (10 seconds)

An article on salmonella is in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Nicholas Garlow.

Last revised: April 12, 2012