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.

  • Remember kids: if you don’t want to catch salmonella, always wash your hands after jerking your chicken, kissing your turtle, or whatever the hell you’re calling it these days.