'Don't kiss or snuggle': Pet hedgehogs linked to multi-state salmonella outbreak, CDC says

A Salmonella outbreak affecting eight states has been linked to contact with pet hedgehogs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday.

The outbreak has affected 11 people as of Wednesday, 10 of whom reported contact with a hedgehog in the week before their illness, according to the CDC.

Three cases have been reported in Missouri and two cases have been reported in Minnesota. Colorado, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming each have one case as of Jan. 23, the CDC says.

The CDC has previously warned that hedgehogs can carry salmonella. One such warning came in 2013 after a hedgehog-related outbreak was linked with a death.

Because hedgehogs can carry salmonella while appearing healthy, the CDC advises thorough hand washing after handling one or cleaning its habitat. 

"Don’t kiss or snuggle hedgehogs, because this can spread salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick," a CDC release says.

The salmonella bacteria can trigger an illness involving diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, the CDC says. 

While most salmonella patients recover without treatment, the disease can lead to death in some cases, according to the CDC.

Contributing: Cathy Payne and Yagana Shah

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