Tiny Turtles Infecting Kids With Salmonella

They're sold by street vendors, but these turtles are anything but.

"There's a risk of disease from very small turtles," said Maricopa County Health Department's Dr. Bob England.

England said, so far this year, there's been nearly a dozen reports of kids becoming infected with salmonella.

"Little children especially are at risk for this, because they tend to be the ones who get these small turtles as pets and play with them and they are exposed to the bacteria," England said.

England said sales of turtles smaller than 4-inches in length have were banned from being sold in the U.S. back in the 70s and the health department is in the midst of a crackdown, so they're warning parents.

"It's not a good idea to be giving your kid a small pet turtle," England said.

If your child handles one, no matter the size, England says to make sure they wash their hands with soap and water.