Epidemiological Aspects of Turtle-Associated Salmonellosis

A total of 21 reported human cases of salmonellosis implicating reptiles—-turtles and one chameleon—as the most probable sources of Infection were investigated in the state of Washington. Of the 103 family members, including the index cases, 48 were ill or had stool specimens testing positive for salmonellae. Salmonellae and the related arizonae were isolated from an appreciable number of turtle-tank water samples obtained at wholesale and retail outlets.