The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked the six local cases to nearly one-hundred and fifty cases nationwide.

Inside the Exotic Pets store in Las Vegas, the professionals know how to handle reptiles, and customers like Sandra Storrs and her grandkids, Alyssa and Aiden Quigley, know what to do next.

Storss says, "Most of the pets like to be handled. However, when you're done, you do need to wash your hands because it is possible to transfer something like salmonella."

Exotic Pets store owner Ken Foose says, "There's actually a salmonella outbreak in like, thirteen states, and most of those outbreaks so far have been traced back to baby turtles being sold."

Health District officials say the best way to prevent a salmonella infection is to wash your hands before and after you handle a reptile or any surface it touches. Also, do not clean any container or item that comes in contact with a reptile in a sink, or in any area where food is prepared.

Southern Nevada Health District Epidemiologist Linda Verchick says children, the elderly, and people with weak immune system are particularly at risk of becoming seriously ill from salmonella bacteria. She says "They're on the shell. They're on the bodies, and once you've touched them there's a chance you've contaminated your hand with salmonella. Then the children, they put their hands in their mouths, go grab a snack; and without washing their hands first. And that's how they get sick."

Symptoms of a salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps that can last up to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but severe infections can occur.

Ken Foose says, "There's really nothing wrong with baby turtles. If people would just use the proper hygiene and have the right information, no one would get sick."

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