Petland Puppies Likely Source Of Outbreaks Of Campylobacter Infection

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Petland puppies likely source of outbreaks in multiple states, including Pennsylvania

Other states involved include Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

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Updated: 5:58 PM EDT Sep 12, 2017

 

 

Petland

Petland puppies likely source of outbreaks in multiple states, including Pennsylvania

Other states involved include Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Share

A multistate outbreak of human Campylobacter infections have been linked to puppies sold through Petland.

Infections have been found in seven states, including Pennsylvania. Other states involved include Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

 

Thirty-nine people in total have been infected and nine have been hospitalized. Twelve of those infected are Petland employees from four different states.

The other 27 either purchased a puppy through Petland, visited a Petland, or visited/live in a home with a puppy sold through Petland.

Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that puppies sold through Petland stores are a likely source of this outbreak.

To learn more about Campylobacter, click here.

Dr. Kristen Mertz, a medical epidemiologist with the Allegheny County Health Department, released the folloing statement:

"This is not something new in our region. We see frequent cases of Campylobacter associated with puppies. In 2017, so far, there were over 20 cases associated with dogs or puppies. Two cases were associated with Petland stores in Allegheny County. Between 2007 and 2016, there were an average of 111 cases per year of Campylobacter infection in Allegheny County.

"Campylobacter is an infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria that can be found in poultry, unpasteurized milk, surface water, mountain streams, the feces of infected animals and humans. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, fever within 2-5 days of infection. Diarrhea can be bloody and accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Illness generally lasts one week. For persons with weakened immune systems, illness can be prolonged and life-threatening. Most people recover in a few days and do not require treatment."                                                                                                      http://www.wtae.com/article/petland-puppies-likely-source-of-outbreaks-in-multiple-states-including-pennsylvania/12221827