--- title: "Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Associated With Small Turtle Exposure, 2007-2008" date: 2009-10-19T16:31:04-07:00 canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/multistate-outbreak-of-salmonella-infections-associated-with-small-turtle-exposure-20072008" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / # Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Associated With Small Turtle Exposure, 2007-2008 PEDIATRICS (doi:10.1542/peds.2009-0272) Julie R. Harris, PhDa,b, David Bergmire-Sweat, MPHc, Julie H. Schlegel, MSPd, Kim A. Winpisinger, MSe, Rachel F. Klos, DVMf, Christopher Perry, BSa,g, Robert V. Tauxe, MDa and Mark J. Sotir, PhDa **![](http://www.salmonellablog.com/uploads/image/red-eared-slider-turtle-0026.jpg)Objective:** Turtle-associated salmonellosis was increasingly recognized in the United States during the 1960s, leading to a federal ban in 1975 on the sale of turtles <4 inches in carapace length (small turtles). Although sporadic reports of turtle-associated Salmonella are frequent, outbreaks are rare. In September 2007, several patients with Salmonella enterica serotype Paratyphi B var Java infections reported recent turtle exposure. We conducted an investigation to determine the source and extent of the infections. Patients and Methods Patients with Salmonella Paratyphi B var Java infections with a specific pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern (outbreak strain) and illness onset between May 2007 and January 2008, were compared with healthy controls. Reptile exposure and awareness of a Salmonella-reptile link were assessed. Turtle size and purchase information were collected. **Results:** We identified 107 patients with outbreak-strain infections. The median patient age was 7 years; 33% were hospitalized. Forty-seven (60%) of 78 patients interviewed reported exposure to turtles during the week before illness; 41 (87%) were small turtles, and 16 (34%) were purchased in a retail pet store. In the case-control study, 72% of 25 patients reported turtle exposure during the week before illness compared with 4% of 45 controls (matched odds ratio \[mOR\]: 40.9 \[95% confidence interval (CI): 6.9–unbounded\]). Seven (32%) of 22 patients versus 11 (28%) of 39 controls reported knowledge of a link between reptile exposure and Salmonella infection (mOR: 1.3 \[95% CI: 0.4–4.6\]). **Conclusions:** We observed a strong association between turtle exposure and Salmonella infections in this outbreak. Small turtles continue to be sold and pose a health risk, especially to children; many people remain unaware of the link between Salmonella infection and reptile contact. aCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; bEpidemic Intelligence Service, Office of Workforce and Career Development, Atlanta, Georgia; cNorth Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, North Carolina; dSouth Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, South Carolina; eOhio Department of Health, Columbus, Ohio; fBureau of Communicable Diseases, Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin; and gChildren’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia ### Other Salmonella Lawsuits [Ramona Family Naturals Market and Happy Hens Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits](https://marlerclark.com/ramona-family-naturals-market-and-happy-hens-salmonella-outbreak-lawsuits) [Jalapeño Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits: Chipotle, QDOBA and Coast Citrus Distributors — 431 Sick in 32 States](https://marlerclark.com/chipotle-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-peppers) [Egg Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 134 in 18 States](https://marlerclark.com/egg-salmonella-outbreak-sickens-98-in-17-states) [18 Sick with Salmonella from Moringa Capsules](https://marlerclark.com/18-sick-with-salmonella-from-moringa-capsules) [64 with Salmonella tied to Oysters](https://marlerclark.com/64-with-salmonella-tied-to-oysters) [Vega Farms Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 63](https://marlerclark.com/vega-farms-salmonella-outbreak-sickens-63) [Green Supplement causes Salmonella Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/green-supplement-causes-salmonella-outbreak) [Salmonella Outbreak tied to Metabolic Meals](https://marlerclark.com/salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-metabolic-meals) [Kentucky Salmonella outbreak linked to Ramsey’s Diners and Missy’s Pies](https://marlerclark.com/kentucky-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-ramseys-diners-and-missys-pies) [Salmonella Egg Outbreak sickens 63 in California](https://marlerclark.com/salmonella-egg-outbreak-sickens-63-in-california) [Cucumbers with Salmonella - 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