are water turtles dangerous to my son's health?

Answer 1

No. Just tell him to wash his hands throughly with soap after touching/playing it.

Answer 2

Salmonella is the 'big' risk, but the odds to get the disease from a turtle is about the same as it is from things like room temp cooked eggs or chicken (like deviled eggs or chicken salad).

Even with a pet turtle, Salmonella is FAR more likely from mishandled or mis-stored food than it is from the turtle.

Even so- basic precautions are always smart!

By the way- Salmonella causes what is usually called the 'stomach flu' or '24 hour bug'. A short bout of vomiting and diarrhea that can cause the very young or very old o become dehydrated, but is generally more annoying than dangerous.

Answer 3

Everyone here has neglected to state that your hands should be washed BEFORE and AFTER handling!! I would also suggest a bottle of hand sanitizer by the tank.

Turtles can also pick up illness's and bacteria from us...as well!

How old is your son? If he is little I wouldn't let him handle the turtle until he gets older. Little kids are known to put turtles up to their mouth to kiss and cuddle. He also might drop the turtle which is not good either!!

Answer 4

They are a natural carrier of salmonella, but as it's been stated here already, if proper hand washing is done, there should be no risk to your son's health.. They DO tend to mess their water quickly, and start to stink after a short while, so make sure he understand that he'll need to keep the tank clean..It's more work than he may think

Answer 5

a turtle is not hazardous to your sons health. some turtles do carry salmonella and hand washing is required after handling them. it is equal to the the same threat you have when you handle raw chicken.

the mandation of the sale of turtles 4" in ength is because a young person can not fit this size turtle in their mouth. no joke. the smaller the turtle the more likely that a very young child can do this.

other than that they are not harmful to humans. they do require daily maintenance and monthly cleanings. lots of fun to watch. very calming!! and they are so stinking cute!

Answer 6

The sale of turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches has been banned in the U.S. since 1975 because of the public health impact of turtle-associated salmonellosis. This regulation is enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in cooperation with State and local health jurisdictions. Experts estimate that the regulation has prevented about 100,000 cases of salmonellosis per year. However, there has been an increase in the sale of turtles in recent years. FDA is providing this information for regulators and public health educators to underscore the need to address the illegal sale of baby turtles and to educate consumers about turtle associated-salmonellosis.

Potential Hazard/Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella. Anyone can get Salmonella infection, but the risk is highest in infants and young children as well as the elderly, and people who have lowered natural resistance to disease due to pregnancy, cancer,

chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, liver problems, or other diseases. Symptoms of the disease may include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Symptoms usually start within 6 to 72 hours after a person is exposed to Salmonella, and they generally last for 2 to 7 days.

Salmonella are naturally occurring bacteria in turtles and those with Salmonella usually do not appear sick in any way. In addition, turtles do not shed Salmonella all of the time. So, just because a turtle might have one negative test for Salmonella doesn’t mean that they are not infected. It could mean that the turtle was not shedding Salmonella on the day it was tested.

The public needs to recognize that turtles are a possible source of salmonellosis for humans; and that turtles are not suitable pets in households with young children or immunocompromised persons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted outreach efforts to provide risk information to the public via pet retailers. In addition, State and local health departments and the pet industry joint Advisory Council and the Humane Society have conducted education efforts. However, the level of public health awareness about the hazards of turtle ownership remains low.

Answer 7

Baby turtles (red ear sliders) can carry with them Salmonella but as long as he washes his hands with warm water and soap right after he toches it he should be ok. The reason they don't sell them so young is because of this. As the turtles grow the risk is lower but practicing good hand washing should still be followed.

Answer 8

Turtles and other reptiles often carry salmonella. Definitely have him wash his hands after handling the turtle and he should be fine.

Answer 9

anything could and can be a risk factor,you have to watch for a reaction. When he has red bumps or rashes that's signs that he could react to something that you gave him don't over look things but let him find new and fun ways to play. having pets bring a role of responsibility and lets him learn how to take care of things on his own. It also makes him think he is now a "big kid".

Answer 10

He should wash his hands after handling them, but no, they are not a danger to his health.