September 30, 2020

CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to contact with pet hedgehogs.

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. PulseNet is the national subtyping network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by CDC. DNA fingerprinting is performed on Salmonella bacteria isolated from ill people by using a standardized laboratory and data analysis method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). CDC PulseNet manages a national database of these sequences that are used to identify possible outbreaks. WGS gives investigators detailed information about the bacteria causing illness. In this investigation, WGS showed that bacteria isolated from ill people were closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak are more likely to share a common source of infection.

As of September 22, 2020, a total of 32 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 17 states. A list of the states and the number of cases in each can be found on the Map of Reported Cases Page.

Illnesses started on dates from April 12, 2020 to August 11, 2020. Ill people range in age from less than 1 to 61 years, with a median age of 10 years. Fifty-six percent are female. Of 27 people with information available, 5 (19%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

WGS analysis of 19 bacterial isolates from ill people did not predict any antibiotic resistance. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing by CDC’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) of one isolate also showed no resistance.

Investigation of the Outbreak

In interviews, people answered questions about animal contact in the week before they became ill. Of 23 people interviewed, 16 (70%) reported contact with hedgehogs before becoming ill. Ill people reported buying hedgehogs from various sources, including pet stores, breeders, and online stores.

The outbreak strain making people sick was identified in samples collected from a hedgehog from the home of an ill person in New York. A single, common source of hedgehogs has not been identified.

This outbreak strain is the same as outbreak strains linked to hedgehogs in 2012 and in 2019.

Regardless of where hedgehogs are purchased, these animals can carry Salmonella germs that can make people sick. Hedgehog owners should always follow steps to stay healthy around their pet.

This investigation is ongoing, and CDC will provide updates when more information becomes available.