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Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Pet Hedgehogs (Final Update)

Posted June 14, 2013 11:45 AM ET

Salmonella is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about Salmonella, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC Salmonella Web Page.

Highlights

  • Read the Advice to Pet Owners »

  • A total of 26 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium were reported from 12 states.

    • The number of ill persons identified in each state was as follows: Alabama (1), Idaho (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (1), Louisiana (1), Michigan (3), Minnesota (3), Missouri (1), New Hampshire (1), Ohio (5), Oregon (1), and Washington (7).
    • 35% of ill persons were hospitalized. One death associated with Salmonella infection was reported in Washington.
    • 35% of ill persons were children 10 years of age or younger.
  • Collaborative epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback findings linked this outbreak of human Salmonella infections to contact with pet hedgehogs purchased from multiple sources in different states.
  • At this time, no further updates are planned for this outbreak investigation. However, contact with hedgehogs continues to be a source of human Salmonella infections. You should know how to protect yourself and your family from illness spread between people and hedgehogs.
    • It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching hedgehogs or anything in the area where they live and roam.
  • Salmonella is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about Salmonella infections and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection can be found on the CDC Salmonella Web Page.

Outbreak Summary