Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Handling of reptiles tied to six salmonella cases in valley

Six salmonella cases linked to aquatic turtles have prompted a warning from the Southern Nevada Health District.

Five children and one adult contracted salmonella after contact with aquatic turtles kept as pets, health officials said. The children were all younger than 5 years old.

The Clark County cases coincide with a multistate outbreak reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials said. The outbreak started in June 2011 and all Clark County cases have occurred since then, said Stephanie Bethel, a spokeswoman for the Health District.

One patient in Clark County was hospitalized because of the illness but has since recovered, officials said.

Health officials warn that contact with reptiles — turtles, iguanas, snakes and lizards — can result in salmonella infections, with young children being especially at risk when they handle small turtles.

Patients develop the infection by ingesting the bacteria, which can produce symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. The illness can last up to a week.

The bacteria also can exist on cages, aquariums, terrariums and other manmade shelters. The first line of defense against the bacteria is to immediately wash hands after contact with reptiles.

Children younger than 5 years old who have weak immune systems should not handle reptiles, officials said.

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