Help please... (Human baby/salmonella??)

[Michelle85]

My 1 and a half year old daughter got the toothbrush I clean my baby sulcata tortoise's with. I'm freaking out my son just soaked and cleaned them and left the toothbrush on the floor. I did get a message to her pediatrician I'm waiting for a response. I know salmonella is a concern I'm wondering is there anything else I should be worried about?

 

[dmmj]

I am a mild germaphobe I would just throw it away and getting a mew tooth brush to be honest. if you've cleaned it well enough it's probably clean but I can never use it again

 

[AZSid]

I am a mild germaphobe I would just throw it away and getting a mew tooth brush to be honest. if you've cleaned it well enough it's probably clean but I can never use it again

I think the concern was that the baby put the tortoises' toothbrush in her mouth. She's concerned of the health risk to her daughter.

 

[Michelle85]

Concern is for my daughter. The pediatrician was contacted but I'm sure he won't know much about sulcata's besides maybe salmonella so I just wanted to ask and see if anyone else has any information on what they can carry. It was not like she touched them and licked her hand she put the toothbrush that was used to clean them and they were dirty. My son said he cleaned the toothbrush but I got really upset so I'm not sure if he gave me that answer to keep me from being mad. I am always very careful to keep my daughter away from my Sulcata's.

 

[Gillian M]

I think the concern was that the baby put the tortoises' toothbrush in her mouth. She's concerned of the health risk to her daughter.

Yes she did, and she confirmed it in her last message. That's too bad.

 

[Pearly]

I'd just watch the baby for any symptoms of GI upset. Salmonella or parasitic issues is not likely to manifest itself in matter of hours. It would be matter of day rather. If your baby is healthy and well nourished I wouldn't worry too much about germs, parasites would be my major concern and for that you have time to react. Can definitely wait till doc's office opens tomorrow and just share your concern. They may ask you to get fecal on your tot's poo or just test the baby's stool for o&p (and maybe c&s...? though insurance may get hiccups if they order test before any symptoms are present). Don't worry! Just watch the baby, call the doc tomorrow. I think everything will be fine

 

[Yvonne G]

I know this can be pretty scary for you, but try to relax and take the high road. Hopefully nothing will come of it and she'll be one of those that beat the train! I think salmonella and parasites would be the only worry, and like Pearly said, you won't know right off the bat.

 

[dmmj]

sorry I misunderstood.naturally there is some risk from Salmonella but I wouldn't be too worried tortoises can be carriers but not always. so if the toothbrush was clean and then your little girl used it I don't see much of a risk to be honest with you. once again my apologies for misunderstanding.

 

[Pearly]

Dang! Autocorrect thing! I meant to say that if any symptoms were to unravel it would most likely be in matter of days or even weeks. Sorry

 

[Prairie Mom]

Hi Michelle
I totally agree with the calming and reassuring remarks. Most likely, NOTHING is going to come of this. I've learned that not every tortoise or even every animal carries salmonella in their stool etc. I have begun to suspect the salmonella threat is highly overrated, but it's good to be cautious anyways.

Since you're obviously worried...
Let's say worst case scenario is that your toddler does get sick with salmonella or parasites, there are lots of meds that can help really quickly. I'm an adoptive parent. I've adopted from an international orphanage in a 3rd world country. One of my children came home with MUTLIPLE PARASITES and even active TB. -I've dealt with cooties! Look for diarrhea and exceptionally loose stools. My understanding is that symptoms do begin to take hold within the same day, so you'll know soon enough. AND-if you do see symptoms, go to your doctor. If your child has stomach cramps, you could visit an ER. Medications to treat these issues work really well. Since your child is so young, most likely the Doctor would need to send the prescription to a pharmacy that is also a compounding specialist, so they can make it into a yummy liquid formula.

Truly -Everything is going to be okay and I bet you won't see any symptoms
Hug your baby for me!

 

[Prairie Mom]

Just for fun I'll attach an orphanage photo...

My two kids are on the front row on the far right. Between the two of them, they came home with MANY cooties all easily treated. Have a great weekend!

 

[dmmj]

there is no parasites threat parasites are almost always species specific.

 

[Tom]

I also doubt you will see any problem from this.

My daughter has been handling, riding, cleaning, feeding and interacting with my tortoises since she was a toddler. She's had indirect contact with them through me literally since birth. I had to leave the hospital the day she was born and each day after to go home and take care of all the animals, including the tortoises. Of course I washed my hands, but a sterile scrub in, it was not.

Hoping your baby is fine.

 

[Michelle85]

I appreciate all the responses. I did call my daughters doctor and was told that if she does get salmonella it won't show up for at least 24hrs to a week. My daughter is allergic to the 2 antibiotics that she has been given in the past so thats why I get really worried. All the responses have made me feel a lot better so I'm not going to stress as much. The doctor did also say that people are exposed to salmonella all the time but the acid in our stomach can fight it off. I know what to watch for so if I see any symptoms I wil get her in right away. Thank you so much I have learned a lot about my tortoise babies in my short on this forum.

 

[Pearly]

Glad to hear your mind is at ease now. Have a great week

 

[Gillian M]

Just for fun I'll attach an orphanage photo...
View attachment 153718
My two kids are on the front row on the far right. Between the two of them, they came home with MANY cooties all easily treated. Have a great weekend!

So sweet! GOD bless. How old are your children?

 

[Gillian M]

My 1 and a half year old daughter got the toothbrush I clean my baby sulcata tortoise's with. I'm freaking out my son just soaked and cleaned them and left the toothbrush on the floor. I did get a message to her pediatrician I'm waiting for a response. I know salmonella is a concern I'm wondering is there anything else I should be worried about?

Hi Michelle. How's your daughter today? Seen a pediatrician? Hope to hear she's well.

 

[Prairie Mom]

So sweet! GOD bless. How old are your children?

The two in the photo are now nine and ten.

 

[Michelle85]

My son JoJo is 9 years old and my daughter Angelina is 1 and a half.

 

[Michelle85]

Such a big smile ☺️ They are adorable