New Jersey Resident Sick from Salmonella Outbreak Traced to Hedgehogs
An outbreak of salmonella, spanning multiple states in the last month, has reportedly made one person in New Jersey sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the outbreak is related to pet hedgehogs, NJ.com reports.
An investigation found that 70 percent of the 32 patients in 17 different states, including NJ, with symptoms of salmonella poisoning said they had come in contact with a hedgehog before feeling sick. Diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps are common symptoms of salmonella exposure, according to the CDC.gov.
So, how did the hedgehogs transmit the illness? The intoxicatingly cute little creatures can reportedly carry salmonella in their waste, which can end up spreading to their fur and the environment in which they live and, ultimately, their pet owners.
The good news, is that Centers for Disease Control reports that the number of new infections has gone down in the last week. However, if you or someone you know lives in New Jersey and has a hedgehog for a pet, you can visit CDC.gov for more information on what to do if you're feeling unwell with any of the aforementioned symptoms of salmonella infection.