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Colin Basler
Health officials have badociated a multi-state epidemic of Salmonella Typhimurium infections in contact with pet hedgehogs, reported the CDC.
As of 25 January, 11 cases had been reported in eight states, with hospitalization and no deaths. According to the CDC, 91% of people reporting an infection had contact with a hedgehog a week before the onset of the disease, although no common provider was identified. According to the agency, 45% of the epidemics are women and the median age of the patients is 12 years old.
In Minnesota, samples from three hedgehogs in the homes of two patients gave positive results for the epidemic strain of Salmonella Typhimurium.
"We are still at the beginning of our investigation and there is a 2 to 3 week delay between when people get sick and when these cases are reported to the CDC. As a result, we could receive more reports from sick people, "CDC epidemiologist Colin Basler, DVM, MPH, Told Infectious Diseases News. "We know that hedgehogs can wear Salmonella and looks healthy and clean. People who own hedgehogs should follow the prevention tips to stay healthy and preserve their hedgehog. "
Hedgehogs are linked to a multi-state epidemic of Salmonella.
Source: Adobe Stock
The CDC recommends that people wash their hands after exposure to hedgehogs, refrain from kissing or snuggling animals, keeping pets away from cooking and eating. places to restore and regularly clean their habitat, their toys and other supplies.
Adults aged 65 and over, children aged 5 and under, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for serious illness. The CDC suggests choosing a different animal for households with these individuals.
Since 2017, other multi-states Salmonella outbreaks have been badociated with pet turtles and guinea pigs. In addition, puppies have recently been found to be a source of infectious pathogens.
The investigation into the outbreak badociated with pet hedgehogs is ongoing and the CDC said it would continue to provide updates as more and more information would be available.
"Clinicians working with young children, older adults, or immunocompromised people need to remind patients that some pets may carry germs that could make their patients sick," Basler said. – by Marley Ghizzone
Reference:
CDC. Outbreak of Salmonella pet hedge infections. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium-01-19/index.html. Accessed January 29, 2019.
Disclosure: Basler does not report any relevant financial information.
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