General Care Discussion :: Can turtle diseases be transmitted to people?

[Billy Black]

I've been trying to clean my hands before and after dealing with his tank, but I've recently gotten sick. My throat is really sore, and my head hurts really bad. I also feel a bit woozy. I wouldn't be too worried about it, but I've been sick maybe twice in the last four years. And it wasn't that bad either time.

Could it possibly be from the turtle? Should I try to avoid him while I'm sick?

[KellyP]

If your washing your hands before and after, there shouldn't be any problems. The only comunicable illness you can get from a turtle that I'm aware of is salmonela. Your symptoms don't sound like salmonela, so I wouldn't be worried. The only way you can get salmonela is if you handle your turtle and then eat something without first washing your hands.

[CountryGirl68]

Symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor. Or you can see the doctor to find out what it is you have. Could be an early flu.

[flutterby]

And if you're using an anti-bacterial soap and washing your hands thoroughly after you have contact with the turtles you probably won't get the salmonella either.

[scripta_elegans]

You are not currently ill beause of your turtle, I promise. Salmonella causes GI problems not sore throat or headache. If you are generally healthy, even if you didn't wash your hands perfectly, chances are your body is capable of killing off a little salmonella. You might have strep however. Are you running a low grade fever? Headache accompanied by sore throat and a temp= get to the doctor!

[Billy Black]

Salmonella is gastro intestinal? Great, I already have lots of those problems, so I may never know if I actually get that. Which reminds me, I've been meaning to get to the doctor...

Well, it makes me feel better that it probably isn't the turtle.

[Billy Black]

An update. Scripta_elegans, you were right. I went to the doctor, and he said I have strep throat.

Thank you for the concern.

[Ferd]

i got a question while were on the topic.... can we transfer diseases to our turtles?

[flutterby]

I don't think we can.

[scripta_elegans]

You are very welcome Billy! I am a med student, so I am very happy to hear you did go to the doctor!
There is a very very slight chance of us transferring our disease to the turtles. However there are bacteria both in humans and turtles that could infect the other. For example, humans don't tend to get ill from exposure to P. aerginosa, unless immunocompromised in a nosomial setting, but turtles get secondary infections from it that cause pneumonia. Salmonella is not an infection in turtles, but the type that turtles carry can infect humans and cause GI illness and malaise. What does this mean? Wash your hands before and after holding your turtle for your safety and the safety of your pet.