Pet hedgehogs linked to Salmonella outbreak
Don't kiss or snuggle pet hedgehogs, health officials warn.
You can now add those adorable little hedgehogs to the list of pets that can give your family health problems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating cases of Salmonella typhimurium in 11 people, including six children under age 12, from eight states. (No cases have been reported in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware.) Ten of the victims reportedly handled the spiky mammals.
Not all states allow hedgehogs to be kept as pets. Efforts last year to legalize hedgehogs as pets in Pennsylvania were rejected by legislators, according to Lancaster Online. Exceptions to the no-hedgehog rule can be made for institutions such as zoos and for some educational purposes, said Shannon Powers, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. In New Jersey, residents are required to get a state permit to own a hedgehog.
One person has been hospitalized in the hedgehog-related salmonella outbreak, but there have been no deaths.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can result in diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after exposure. The illness can last from four to seven days. Those most vulnerable are children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65 years, and people with weakened immune systems.
About 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths are linked to salmonella in the United States every year, the CDC estimates.
Though salmonella infections are frequently traced back to consumption of foods such as meat, dairy, and produce, the bacteria also have traveled to people via exposure to backyard chickens, reptiles, ducklings, and birds.
The germs from the hedgehogs were likely shed in their droppings, which can contaminate their bodies, cages, toys, and bedding.
The CDC suggests that pet owners keep the animals out of the kitchen or anywhere food is prepared and not let them roam freely in the home.
Whatever you do when you play with hedgehogs, don’t kiss, snuggle, or hold them close to your face, the CDC warned. And wash your hands after touching them. Always.