Ontarians Warned Not To Kiss Their Pet Hedgehogs To Avoid Spreading Salmonella
If you had hedgehog-related Salmonella outbreaks on your 2020 bingo card, you can go ahead and mark that off.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has provided an update about the ongoing Salmonella outbreaks in Ontario, which cites pet hedgehogs as the possible root cause.
The notice states that humans can contract the illness by "kissing and cuddling" the animals.
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Kissing and cuddling a hedgehog can spread Salmonella to your face or mouth and make you sick.
Public Health Canada
Officials warn hedgehog owners not to eat or prepare food while handling these prickly creatures.
They should also be kept away from young children. Surfaces that the hedgehog has come into contact with should always be cleaned.
There are currently 32 Salmonella cases reported in Canada, with four of those coming from Ontario.
Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, chills, diarrhea, cramping, headaches, and nausea or vomiting.
If you think you've contracted Salmonella, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.
And, most importantly, be mindful of these precautions when you take your pointy little friend out of its cage.