Personal Injury News

Pet Turtles Can Cause Salmonella Infections

Public health officials urge people — and particularly families — to exercise caution when handling or caring for pet reptiles, such as turtles, lizards and snakes. Recently a four-week-old infant in Florida died from salmonellosis, a bacterial infection often associated with outbreaks of foodborne illness. However, in this case, the illness was due to Salmonella pomona, a strain of salmonella identified in the family’s pet turtle.

Reptiles are popular pets in the United States, but many of them carry the salmonella bacteria and shed it in their feces without showing any signs of illness. However, the bacteria can make people sick. Salmonella infections usually cause gastroenteritis, but can cause more severe invasive disease such as bloodstream infection or meningitis. Because the risk of severe illness is greatest in young children, the elderly, and people with suppressed immune systems, extra care and attention should be taken to avoid exposing them to possible infection. Read more at dhhs.state.nc.us.

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	Did You Know?
	Health care insurers can be repaid from a personal injury settlement It's quite common. Most health insurance policies now have language that allows the insurance company to be repaid for the amount paid out on medical bills if the insured person gets a personal injury settlement. Depending on the law in your state, your daughter may be able to deduct attorney's fees and costs from the total amount owed to her health insurer.