Microbiology Testing Services

Huntington Beach, CA, Novmeber 17, 2023

Late last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an update to multiple Salmonella outbreaks taking place nationwide that have been linked to small turtles. So far there have been at least 59 known human infections, including 23 hospitalizations. Infections have occurred in 18 states, including multiple infections in California.

According to the CDC:

Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything in the area where they live and roam. You can get sick from touching a turtle or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food with unwashed hands and swallowing Salmonella germs. 

“Back in 1975, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets due to Salmonella concerns,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Unfortunately, small turtles are still sometimes sold. Young children that handle them are at heightened risk. In fact, in this latest outbreak, CDC warns that almost 40% of the infected people are children younger than 5 years old.” 

Helping to stop the spread of microbial pathogens are the scientists at LA Testing. With multiple laboratories in California, LA Testing offers comprehensive environmental and infection control testing services and all of the supplies needed to collect and submit samples. Testing can help to prevent infections and can also be instrumental in locating the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.

LA Testing sponsored an educational video about Salmonella exposure risks from pet reptiles and amphibians several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/IRJVx2_qGQM 

To learn more about Salmonella or other microbial and environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.