Set Down That Hedgehog!

In news likely to leave your beloved pet hedgehog feeling more like the red-headed step child of house pets, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the prickly creatures are associated with a recent Salmonella outbreak and, consequently, should not be kissed or cuddled.

“Don’t kiss or snuggle hedgehogs, because this can spread Salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick,” the agency warned.

Be it a domesticated pet or simply a creature crossing your path, the CDC warns that folks should fight the overwhelming desire to cuddle and kiss hedgehogs as they are tied to a recent outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium, which has infected 11 people in eight states between October and December 2018. A similar outbreak occurred between 2011 and 2013, where 26 people were diagnosed with Salmonella also following contact with hedgehogs.

While Salmonella is typically contracted by eating contaminated food, it can also spread from animals like reptiles, rodents, dogs and cats to humans, causing such symptoms as nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, chills and headache. Certainly a high price to pay for a little hedgehog love.

Even if the hedgehog in question looks like he is clean and from a good home, the CDC warns that appearances can be deceiving as the hedgehogs can carry Salmonella in their droppings, leaving traces of it on its toys and bedding. However, for folks who just cannot resist the allure of the hedgehog, the CDC advises strenuous handwashing following hedgehog contact.

In its warning, the CDC does suggest that there are other ways to play safely with the prickly animals, yet they do not list anything specific. Regardless, it seems kissing them is definitely off the table…for now.