An antibiotic-resistant infection linked to "puppy exposure" was found in 18 states, according to the CDC

According to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an antibiotic-resistant infection related to "puppy exposure" was found in 118 people in 18 states. The CDC and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA-APHIS) investigated the epidemic in several states and suggested that the public be informed of the risks to the disease. health handle dogs and puppies. States affected by the epidemic include Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, the United States, and the United States. Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

CNN reports that Campylobacter is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The outbreak was caused by contact with puppies from January 2017 to February 2018, and 23 people were hospitalized. According to CNN, those affected by the epidemic were less than a year old at age 86 and all were resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat this infection. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported in relation to this epidemic. CNN reports that most people infected with Campylobacter can recover without treatment in about five days. In rare cases, however, the disease can lead to complications such as paralysis and is sometimes fatal. Campylobacter According to CNN, infections usually occur in healthy people, but those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and those with serious illnesses such as cancer, are most at risk for bacterial complications.

TIME also notes that Campylobacter Infections affect about one million people in the United States each year and, in addition to contact with infected animals, can also spread by eating or drinking contaminated food and water. The CDC reports that people who come into contact with commercially-traded animals are more likely to be infected and that proper precautions should be taken when handling animals sold in pet stores. By TIMEOf the 118 people infected with the bacteria, 105 said they had been exposed to dogs before becoming ill, while 101 had handled a pet, of which 29 were working in pet shops.

No breeder has been associated with the pet store Campylobacter an epidemic, according to CBS News, although Petland stores were originally linked to infections according to the CDC report. CBS further notes that investigators found that more than half of the puppies examined were treated with prophylactic antibiotics before they arrived at the pet stores or during their stay. Public health officials say this practice, common in commercial livestock industries, is leading to an increase in antibiotic resistance rates.

The CDC states that although Campylobacter Animal infections are rare, some precautions are recommended for people who interact with dogs and puppies. Always wash your hands after cleaning your dog's trash after playing and after handling your dog's food and treats. Children should also be reminded to wash their hands after playing with dogs and puppies. And be sure to contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of illness in your dog.