Puppies Suspected Of Making People Sick

Pet store puppies being linked to Campylobacter jejuni – an infection being spread to humans

By Marilyn Nelson on December 18, 2019
(Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images)

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention puppies, particularly pet stores puppies, may be spreading a drug-resistant infection. Eighty percent of people affected have been linked to the pet store chain, Petland.

The outbreak has been reported in 13 states, with 30 people infected so far. Four have been hospitalized. The largest number of infections were recorded in Minnesota (6), followed by Ohio (5) and Nevada (4). 

“Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that puppies purchased from pet stores are the likely source of this outbreak. Many of the cases had contact with puppies or were employees at pet stores, including Petland,” the CDC said. 
 
The symptoms – which include diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever – usually last for about a week. People usually recover without the used of antibiotics.
 
To avoid getting infected, wash your hands and make sure to take any new dogs to the vet for a checkup.
 

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