An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections has caused illness in nine people across eight states, according to the CDC. The outbreak was linked to contact with a guinea pig or its habitat.
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans. Thus far, one person has been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. The time period for the illnesses ranged from July 17, 2015, to Dec.15, 2017.
The outbreak Salmonella strain was collected from a sick person's infected guinea pig in Vermont. Whole genome sequencing shows the Salmonella isolated from the people who were infected and the guinea pig were closely related.
The following states include people infected in this outbreak:
• Colorado
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York
• Virginia
• Vermont
"This outbreak is a reminder that pet rodents such as guinea pigs, regardless of where they are purchased or adopted, can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they look healthy and clean," the CDC stated.