Salmonella outbreak linked to pet hedgehogs, bearded dragons

A salmonella outbreak in nearly 20 states is linked to pet hedgehogs and bearded dragons, health officials said.

So far, there have been 32 salmonella typhimurium infections in 17 states including New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Oklahoma, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Five people have been hospitalized. Officials have not determined a common source for the spread by hedgehogs. Patients said their hedgehogs came from various sources including pet stores and breeders.

There have been 13 salmonella Muenster infections caused by contact with pet bearded dragons in eight states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, health officials said. Seven people have been hospitalized. A common supplier has not been identified. Patients bought the reptiles from various pet stores in different states.

This is not the first time a salmonella outbreak from hedgehogs has prompted a warning from health officials.

In 2012, 26 people in 12 states became sick with eight people going to hospitals and one person dying. In 2019, 54 people were sickened in 23 states. Eight people were hospitalized. There were no fatalities.

A salmonella outbreak linked to pet turtles last year sickened 26 people in 14 states. Eight people were hospitalized. There were no fatalities.

Most people who contract salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps as soon as six hours or as long as six days after exposure. Although most people recover without treatment, some at-risk people can develop more severe symptoms that in some cases lead to death.

Owners should not kiss or snuggle their bearded dragons or hedgehogs, and should make sure to wash their hands after feeding or touching them, health officials said.

Cox Media Group