Health officials believe they have finally figured out the source of many of the salmonella outbreaks over the last year: turtles.
On Wednesday, U.S. federal health officials announced that there have been at least four separate multi-state salmonella outbreaks between January 2015 and April 2016.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these outbreaks are actually associated with touching turtles smaller than four inches long.
"The outbreak is expected to continue at a low level for the next several months since people might be unaware of the risk of Salmonella infection from small turtles," the CDC said, adding that these number are expected to rise.
As CNN reports, the agency is now working with the U.S Food and Drug Administration and the U.S Department of Agriculture to learn more about these deadly outbreaks.
"Initial investigations have identified four turtle farms in Louisiana as potential sources of the turtles linked to these 2015 outbreaks. Pond water testing from the four farms resulted in the identification of additional non-outbreak Salmonella isolates," the World Health Organization (WHO) said on its website.
Although the turtles don’t actually get sick from the bacteria, they do carry it on their shells, so anybody that touches them (children especially) can become infected with salmonella.
To minimize this dangerous bacteria from spreading, health officials are urging adults and children to make sure they wash their hands frequently.
The symptoms of salmonella typically show up after 12 to 72 hours and usually disappear within a week or so.
Those infected with salmonella may experience abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea. Small children and individuals over the age of 65 are most at risk of being affected by the infection.
