Hey, all you turtle lovers out there, you're gonna hate this: Due to a salmonella outbreak, apparently caused by small turtles, you are not, and I mean NOT advised to cuddle and or kiss your pet turtle. Because the CDC says so.

Yes, this is not a joke, it's science.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned people to not "kiss or cuddle your turtle" after a salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles has sickened at least 26 people across 11 states.

Public health officials announced that they are investigating a "multistate outbreak" of salmonella linked to small turtles after dozens of people have fallen ill in recent months, according to the CDC.

Now, strange thing, this rule only applies to small turtles — those with shells less than 4 inches long.

I wasn't aware of any of this information, so I'm gonna share it with you under the assumption that you haven't either.

A federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children, the CDC said.

"Despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands," continued the CDC. "Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything in the area where they live and roam. You can get sick from touching a turtle or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food with unwashed hands and swallowing Salmonella germs."

Although any turtle can carry salmonella germs, turtles with shells less than four inches long are a known source of illness, officials said.

I had no idea this was a thing. Like, are baby turtles just a complete mess, or what? And that's why they carry more salmonella...? What makes the little ones so bad? I need to know.

Some expert guidance from the CDC on avoiding turtle salmonella, and then I gotta go:

Only buy turtles with shells longer than four inches and buy them from a reputable pet store, the CDC warns, since "reputable pet stores do not sell turtles with shells less than 4 inches long."

"Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding your turtle and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams. Adults should make sure young children are washing their hands properly," the CDC added.

And here it is: The moment we've all been waiting for.

"Don't kiss or snuggle your turtle, and don't eat or drink around it," officials warn. "This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your turtle out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food."

Got that, y'all?

Don't go kissing your turtle, or even snuggling it.

If you do, you'll probably, maybe, quite possibly catch salmonella.

And nobody wants that!

Thank you, CDC, for having our backs here and letting us know not to kiss or snuggle turtles. We really needed that!

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