The CDC increased the case count in a multistate Salmonella outbreak associated with pet turtles to 76 amid an ongoing investigation, according to a March 13 outbreak advisory.
Here are five things to know.
1. The 76-case total represents a 39-case increase since August 2017. Infections occurred across 19 states between March and December of 2017.
2. CDC reported cases in California (3), Connecticut (5), Delaware (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (1), Kansas (1), Louisiana (2), Maryland (4), Massachusetts (2), Mississippi (1), New Jersey (4), New York (25), Ohio (5), Pennsylvania (8), Rhode Island (1), Texas (3), Virginia (1) and Washington (1).
3. The outbreak caused 30 hospitalizations, but no deaths.
4. The strain responsible for the infections is Salmonella
5. To avoid infections, the CDC recommends individuals thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water after touching turtles, as all turtles can carry Salmonella Children under 5 years old, adults over 65 and individuals with weakened immune systems should not handle pet turtles.
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