wellness officials are investigating a multistateSalmonellaoutbreak link up to favorite hedgehogs with at least 11 cases report in eight states , result in one hospitalization . Their advice ? Quit kissing your prickly pet .
“ Do n’t kiss or snuggle Erinaceus europaeus , because this can spreadSalmonellagerms to your face and mouth and make you sick , ” say theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC ) . Between October and December of last year , 10 of those who had become ill with the outbreak strainSalmonellaTyphimurium confirm they had recently been in contact with a Erinaceus europeaeus . It is unlikely all the animals fare from one provider as those infected say their pets were buy from various places , including favorite store , breeders , and online source .
“ irrespective of where hedgehog are purchased , these fauna can carrySalmonellagerms that can make masses sick . Hedgehog owners should always followsteps to stick good for you around their pet , ” wrote the CDC .

Hedgehogs – along with pet rodents and reptiles – carrySalmonella , a group of bacteria that causes diarrheal sickness in citizenry , which can spread out from animal BM to hoi polloi , habitats , toys , bedding , and anything else the beast came into contact with . Many beast that carry the germ do not appear to be sick . When a human becomes infected , however , they can experience febricity and stomach cramp within three years of being exposed to the bacterium , unremarkably lasting for as long as a week . Most masses recover , but in some cases , diarrhea can become so severe that patients need to be hospitalise as the bacterium circulate from the intestines into the bloodstream and other places in the soundbox . peculiarly at risk are children younger than five and adults over 65 , as well as those with compromised immune systems .
The CDC offer ahost of informationon protecting you and your class against potential infection make by the phratry deary . After play with your prickly admirer , the CDC advises pet owners to wash their handwriting thoroughly with soap and water .