CDC says puppies are responsible for drug-resistant diseases nationwide

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Dozens of people have been hospitalized in the country after contracting a drug-resistant bacteria carried by puppies.

A nationwide outbreak resulting from the adoption of puppies has caused the disease of more than 100 people.
Cute little puppies, sweet, kind and innocent; they are what the CDC says has caused the disease of more than one hundred people in at least 18 states.

The cause: Campylobacter bacteria.

It is a common bacterium that can trigger diarrhea, stomach upset and fever.

The major problem: it is often resistant to antibiotics.

A CDC survey found that puppies from six pet store chains, from January 2017 to February 2018, were at the root of the outbreak.

No deaths were reported, but at least 26 people were hospitalized.

And the samples taken from each patient showed that the bacterium was resistant to all the antibiotics used to treat it.

Most people can usually recover from an infection with Campylobacter bacteria in about five days without treatment.

Ninety-nine percent of patients observed by the CDC report having had direct contact with a dog.

And 95 percent say that what they touched was a puppy in a pet shop; most of which had been treated with antibiotics themselves.

In spite of all this, the CDC says that it's enough to use common sense when you're surrounded by new animals.

Wash or disinfect your hands before and after handling them.

But do not think twice before bringing your new best friend home.