The CDC on Monday increased its count of drug-resistant Campylobacter infections linked to pet store puppies to 67, marking a 12-case increase since Oct. 3.
The outbreak, which began Sept. 15, 2016, stems from infected puppies at Petland pet stores across multiple states. The 15 states with confirmed infections are Florida (14), Georgia (1), Illinois (4), Kansas (6), Maryland (1), Missouri (5), New Hampshire (1), New York (1), Ohio (24), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee (2), Utah (2), Wisconsin (2) and Wyoming (1).
Genome sequencing of Campylobacter samples extracted from 13 patients and eight sick puppies displayed genetic mutations indicative of antibiotic resistance.
Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by Campylobacter bacteria. The bacteria can be contracted through contact with contaminated feces and is not usually spread via person-to-person contact. Most sickened individuals experience diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever two days to five days after bacterial exposure. The diarrhea may be bloody. The illness typically lasts about a week.
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.
To learn more about the outbreak and Campylobacter, click here.
More articles on infection control:
Survey: 57% of nurses say condition of hands impacts frequency of washing
Top 10 infection control stories for October
Legionnaires', hepatitis A, mumps: 5 recent and ongoing outbreaks