an outbreak of salmonella cases across canada has health experts pointing to a prickly source: hedgehogs.
on tuesday afternoon, the public health agency of canada issued a notice indicating that 32 cases of salmonella across six provinces have been linked to exposure to pet hedgehogs. the agency is still investigating, but believes the pets are the likely source of the bacterial infections, which can cause vomiting, fever, chills and diarrhea.
the agency is working with the u.s. centers for disease control, which is looking into a similar outbreak linked to hedgehogs south of the border. as of nov. 12, the cdc reported cases in 41 people across 20 states. there were eight hospitalizations, but no deaths reported.
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it also cautions pet owners about proper hand hygiene, asking them to remember to thoroughly wash their hands after handling the hedgehogs and to avoid kissing or cuddling hedgehogs. other recommendations include:
while this particular outbreak is likely linked to hedgehogs, they’re not the only pets that come with salmonella risks. iguanas or other lizards , turtles, and snakes can also spread bacteria, as well as poultry, if you keep chickens.
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other recent outbreaks have been linked to foods such as onions . as of oct. 1, canada reported more than 500 salmonella cases linked to onions grown in california.