2011-2012 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Linked to Hedgehogs
On September 6, 2012 the CDC announced an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to hedgehogs purchased from multiple breeders. As of January 31, 2013 investigators had identified 20 persons residing in 8 states as part of the outbreak. Four persons were hospitalized. One death was reported in a Washington state resident. Forty-five percent of ill persons were children 10 years of age or younger. Illness onsets ranged between December 26, 2011 and December 31, 2012. In interview, ill persons answered questions about contact with animals and foods consumed during the week before becoming ill. Fourteen of 15 ill persons interviewed reported contact with hedgehogs or their environments before becoming ill. Some ill persons specifically mentioned contact with African Pygmy hedgehogs.
- Outbreak began:
- December 2011
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana
- Organism(s):
-
- Salmonella
- Vehicle(s):
- Hedgehogs
- Molecular Results Available:
- Unknown
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Home
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 20
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Unknown
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- N/A
- Number Probable Cases:
- N/A
- Number Possible Cases:
- N/A
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Yes
- Number Hospitalized:
- 4
- Any Deaths:
- Yes
- Number Dead:
- 1
- Any References:
- No