The CDC has just issued an outbreak notice for a potentially deadly drug-resistant bacteria infection coming from puppies purchased from pet stores.
According to the alert, an outbreak of a multi-drug resistant strain of Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterial infection that can be fatal for young children or people with weak immune systems has now spread to a total of 13 states, including South Carolina.
OUTBREAK NOTICE: 30 people in 13 states are infected with multidrug-resistant #Campylobacter linked to pet store puppies. Wash your hands after touching dogs or their food, or cleaning up after them. Learn more: https://t.co/WPdBIKD4rM pic.twitter.com/FoPdgJ90D6
— CDC (@CDCgov) December 17, 2019
The CDC notes that infected puppies and dogs can quickly make people sick, even if the animal appears to be healthy and clean.
They issued the following advice for pet owners:
- Adults should supervise handwashing for young children.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash your hands with soap and water.
- Wash your hands after cleaning up urine (pee), feces (poop), or vomit from your puppy or dog. Clean up any pee, poop, or vomit inside the house immediately. Then disinfect the area using a water and bleach solution.
- Don’t let dogs lick around your mouth and face.
- Don’t let dogs lick your open wound or areas with broken skin.
Please help spread the word.