Health and turtles?

[Brandi1]

We have some turtles in an outside enclosure and all of my kids love them, but my son has been battling cancer and I was wondering if he should be around the turtles? He tells me he misses them and wants the little one's that will be inside in his room when he is home so he can see them.

I had someone tell me, it's a bad idea and when i tried to look it up, i found this .. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says: Do not have a turtle in any household that includes children under five, the elderly, or people who have lowered natural resistance to disease due to pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, liver problems or other diseases.

He would not be touching them or handling them and we all wash our hands and everything after handling the turtles, so my question is would the turtles be okay in his room?

 

[Tyanna]

I don't see why not at all. If your practice good hygiene before and after handling them you shouldn't have to worry about anything.

 

[kathyth]

I also don't see why not, especially if he would not be in contact with them. I would definitely want to do it, to bring him joy.
I would ask his Oncologist.

 

[Yvonne G]

I doubt there's anything that would be airborne coming from a turtle tank in a kid's room. I see no reason why he couldn't have the turtles in his room. Even dropping in a worm or two on occasion, as long as he washes his hands afterwards.

 

[Brandi1]

Thank you to everyone that answered. He really loves turtles so I was hoping it would be ok to have some in his room. It will put a smile on his face. He's been through a lot for his age, (still going through it) so I just want to bring him joy and make him happy. When he comes home from the hospital from getting chemo, he'll have something here at home to make him happy.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

You tell him I think he's a tough kid fighting cancer, and he'll be fine around the turtles as long as he does not kiss any of them...good wishes to him...


Plus I think they are talking about water turtles who 'might' carry salmonella...

 

[lismar79]

I went through this with my niece and if there was one thing I learned going through that is that a smile and happiness are wonderfull medicines. If he loves them, keep them

 

[lismar79]

Just a thought...search for storys on here about Frankie and Bob. Both are sulcata tortoises and their owners write some very entertaining stories about their shananagins. These would be great bed time stories for you and your young turtle loving son to enjoy together

 

[Prairie Mom]

Hi Brandi,
I can sympathize with your concern. I have two children with Chronic diseases and compromised immune systems who require a lot of permanent medical care. Their specialist is the first to freak out about our tortoise. The major threat appears to be the danger of salmonella. I started out making everyone wash their hands and then even used hand sanitizer afterwards (I even posted about this on the forum--tee hee). I have already relaxed considerably, but am sure to make everyone wash their hands after handling our tortoise. My only concern about the turtle being in one of my kids' rooms is if they snuck and handled it without washing up. -My kids would definitely do this! Doctors may freak out at me from time to time, because I believe they are afraid of being held liable for any little thing that goes wrong, but I supervise my kids with our tortoise and I can keep my kids clean. When battling illness, a small ounce of happiness, is well worth some extra hand washing and grumpy Doctors who don't have pets Good luck and great to meet you!

 

[Magilla504]

Hi there!
I have a 5 year old son and six year old daughter. My 5 year old has had some medical issues in the recent years. He too loves our torts. To help with my paranoia of germs I just have him out on gloves(nitrate) like we wear in the medical field. Then just have him wash his hands afterwards.
I'm so sorry you all are having to go through this.I hope your son recovers quickly!
Jason

 

[mike taylor]

I don't see anything wrong with it . Just keep it clean . My aunt had cancer and she was staying with my mom . She has a small house in my back yard . My aunt loved sitting outback watching my tortoises . She sat by my little turtle pond for hours . She never picked them up or anything . She never got sick from watching my animals . I hope your son gets well soon . Give him a high five for me . He's a member of the turtle club now .