Disinfectant lotion should be used if reptiles are handled in locations where hand-washing facilities are absent. Avoid touching your face, mouth or food after handling reptiles until your hand have been thoroughly washed. Do not use kitchen sinks to clean reptile accessories or cages. Do not touch food or utensils after handling reptiles or accessories. Do not handle reptiles or caging materials with open cuts or sores on one's hands.
Water turtles eat and defecate in water.
Filtration of water alone will not prevent bacterial contamination. The CDC advises against unsupervised handling of reptiles by children under the age of 12. Reptiles should not be kept in facilities where toddlers and preschoolers are cared for. Reptiles should be discouraged in classrooms unless appropriate hand washing facilities and supervision is present. In addition to using preventative measures to avoid Salmonella infection, the CDC recognizes certain groups of people who are at risk for contracting reptile-associated salmonellosis.