Contact with puppies has been tied to a multistate outbreak of an infection resistant to commonly recommended drugs, the CDC announced Dec. 17.
Thirty people have been infected with Campylobacter jejuni, with cases reported in 30 states. No deaths have been reported, but four individuals have been hospitalized.
Among 24 patients who were interviewed, 21 (88 percent) reported contact with a puppy. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence suggests that puppies purchased from pet stores are likely the source of the illness. Many of the patients had contact with puppies or worked at pet stores, including Petland. One common supplier of puppies has not been identified yet.
Cases were reported beginning January 2019, with those sickened ranging from infants to elderly. Symptoms typically last about a week and include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. People generally recover without antibiotic treatment.
The CDC recommends pet owners wash their hands and take new dogs to the vet for a checkup.
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