Can Pet Turtles Make Your Child Sick? Health Risks and Prevention

Many families choose turtles as pets because they seem easy to care for and fun for children. However, what most parents do not realize is that these small creatures can carry germs that make children seriously ill. This guide will help you understand the health risks and how to protect your family.

Why Are Turtles Different from Other Pets?

Unlike dogs or cats, turtles are reptiles. They naturally carry bacteria in their bodies and on their shells, even when they look perfectly healthy and clean. You cannot tell if a turtle is carrying disease-causing germs just by looking at it. The turtle does not get sick from these bacteria, but when these germs spread to people, especially young children, they can cause real health problems.

What Is Salmonella and Why Is It Dangerous?

Salmonella is the main disease-causing bacteria that turtles carry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, turtles are a known source of Salmonella infections, particularly in young children. This bacteria lives naturally in the turtle's intestines and comes out in their droppings.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can get sick from Salmonella, certain groups face higher risks:

• Children younger than 5 years old
• Adults 65 years and older
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella Infection?

Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after contact with the bacteria. Most children develop:

How Long Does the Illness Last?

Most people recover within 4 to 7 days without needing antibiotics. However, young children and others at high risk may develop severe illness requiring hospitalization. The infection can sometimes spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other body parts, which can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.

Other Diseases Turtles Can Carry

While Salmonella is the most common concern, research has shown that turtles can also harbor other bacteria that may occasionally cause infections in people:

Mycobacterium Species

These are bacteria related to the germs that cause tuberculosis. Turtles can carry types like Mycobacterium marinum, M. chelonae, and M. fortuitum. If these bacteria enter through cuts or wounds on the skin, they can cause skin infections that appear as bumps or sores, usually on the hands. People with weakened immune systems may develop more serious infections.

Other Bacterial Infections

Scientific studies have identified various other bacteria in turtles, including Campylobacter, Aeromonas, E. coli, and others. While less common than Salmonella, these can also cause illness if transmitted to people, usually causing symptoms similar to food poisoning.

Why Small Turtles Are Especially Dangerous

In many countries, including the United States, it has been illegal since 1975 to sell turtles with shells smaller than 4 inches as pets. This law exists because small turtles caused many illnesses, especially in young children who were more likely to handle them like toys and put them in their mouths.

How Children Get Sick from Turtles

The germs spread easily because:

1. Turtles shed bacteria in their droppings constantly
2. The bacteria quickly spread to the turtle's body, shell, and anything in their living area
3. Tank water becomes contaminated with the bacteria
4. Everything the turtle touches can carry the germs
5. Children touch the turtle or tank, then touch their mouth or food

Children do not need to kiss or put the turtle in their mouth to get sick. Simply touching the turtle or anything in its environment and then touching their face or food with unwashed hands is enough to spread the bacteria.

Essential Prevention Steps for Families

Before Getting a Turtle

If You Already Have a Turtle

Follow these important safety rules to reduce the risk:

Hand Washing Rules

• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after touching the turtle
• Wash hands after touching anything in the turtle's living area
• Wash hands after cleaning the tank or supplies
• Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Adults must supervise young children to make sure they wash properly
• Hand sanitizer is not enough - always use soap and running water

Keep Turtles Away From These Areas

• Kitchen and food preparation areas
• Dining table and eating areas
• Bathroom sinks where you brush teeth
• Children's play areas and bedrooms

Proper Cleaning Methods

• Use separate supplies only for the turtle - never use these for anything else
• Clean turtle items outside if possible
• If cleaning inside, use a laundry sink or bathtub, not the kitchen sink
• Remove all personal items from the sink before cleaning turtle supplies
• Clean and disinfect the sink thoroughly right after using it
• Never put turtle tank water down the kitchen sink

Teaching Children About Turtle Safety

If your family has decided to keep a turtle despite the risks, teaching children proper safety habits is crucial:

Explain to older children:

• Why hand washing is important every single time
• That turtles carry germs even though they look clean
• Never to touch their face, mouth, or food after touching the turtle
• To tell an adult immediately if they forget to wash their hands

Buying a Turtle Safely

If you decide to get a turtle:

• Only buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches
• Purchase from reputable pet stores or reptile rescues
• Avoid buying from street vendors, flea markets, or online sellers who do not follow proper laws
• Never buy turtles as prizes at carnivals or fairs
• Do not catch wild turtles to keep as pets

What to Do If You Cannot Keep Your Turtle

If you need to give up your turtle:

• Contact a local reptile rescue organization
• Ask your pet store if they accept turtle returns
• Check with animal shelters about reptile programs
• Never release pet turtles into the wild - this is harmful to local wildlife and may be illegal

Recent Outbreaks and Current Concerns

Health authorities continue to track Salmonella outbreaks linked to small turtles. According to CDC outbreak investigations, many recent cases have involved children under 5 years old, with some requiring hospitalization. These outbreaks remind us that despite long-standing warnings and laws, turtle-related illnesses remain a real problem.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Deciding whether to have a turtle as a pet is an important family decision. Consider these points:

Reasons to Choose a Different Pet

• You have young children under 5 years old
• Anyone in your home has a weakened immune system
• You cannot consistently follow all safety rules
• Your children might not understand or follow hand washing rules

If You Choose to Have a Turtle

• Accept that there is always some risk, even with careful precautions
• Make safety rules non-negotiable in your home
• Supervise all interactions between children and the turtle
• Be prepared to give up the turtle if circumstances change

Key Takeaways for Parents

References and Resources

The information in this article is based on guidance from:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Salmonella and Turtle Safety Guidelines
• American Academy of Pediatrics - Red Book on Infectious Diseases
• World Health Organization - Zoonotic Disease Prevention
• Peer-reviewed medical journals on reptile-associated infections

For the most current outbreak information and detailed prevention guidelines, visit the CDC website or consult your pediatrician.

Article checked and reviewed by a practicing pediatrician