Don’t ‘kiss or snuggle’ your turtle amid salmonella outbreak: CDC

This time, it might be wise to kiss and tell.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging reptile owners not to “kiss or snuggle your turtle” amid an ongoing “multistate outbreak” of salmonella linked to “small turtles” that has sickened more than two dozen people across the nation.

As of Wednesday, there were 26 illnesses and nine hospitalizations across 11 states: California, Montana, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, which has the most cases to date.

However, officials noted that “the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported,” due to people recovering on their own without medical attention or salmonella testing.

The agency’s ongoing investigation linked the bacteria to “small turtles,” noting that while any turtle could carry harmful pathogens in their droppings, those with shells less than 4 inches long are “a known source of illness.”

“A federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children,” officials stated. “Despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands.”

Germs can spread anywhere the turtles “live and roam,” according to the CDC, which urged reptile owners to diligently wash their hands after touching turtles and before touching their face or food.

Public health officials also advised against releasing turtles outside, as it can disrupt wildlife and is considered illegal in some places.

“Don’t kiss or snuggle your turtle, and don’t eat or drink around it,” the agency cautioned, adding that turtles should not be allowed in areas where food is present. “This can spread salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.”

People are urged to seek medical attention of they develop a 102°F fever, being vomiting, show signs of dehydration and experience bloody and/or persistent diarrhea for more than three days.

Those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop more serious health outcomes as a result of infection, although most people experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps anywhere from six hours to six days post-infection and recover in a week or less.