ATLANTA — Pet turtles are blamed for causing an outbreak of human Salmonella infections in 13 U.S. states. <br /> <br />Thirty-seven people from 13 states have been infected with Salmonella Agbeni linked with pet turtles. Sixteen people have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported. <br /> <br />According to the CDC, all turtles can carry Salmonella bacteria even if they look healthy and clean. The bacteria can even end up in the water they swim in. <br /> <br />Kissing the pet turtles or place them near mouths can contaminate human bodies with the bacteria. <br /> <br />The FDA has banned selling and distributing turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets since 1975. The CDC also recommends that households with young children should not keep turtles or reptiles as pets.
