The healthcare cosmos is ablaze with the news of CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) investigating the occurrence of the Campylobacter infections in humans across twelve U.S. states. The Campylobacter infection is usually observed in dogs, on the basis of which the CDC has declared that the infections may have gained ground in humans after they would have come in contact with the infected puppies. Medical experts claim that any pet infection can be transferred to humans when they clean, touch, handle or feed their pets. CDC observed that the symptoms of the infection in humans include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
The organization has confirmed that nearly 55 people across the twelve states in the U.S. were affected due to Campylobacter infection. Thirteen out of these were reported to be hospitalized. Also, close to fourteen cases of infection were detected in the employees of the Petland, while 35 people caught the infection apparently through either the purchase of puppies from Petland, a pet store chain based in the U.S. or interacting with people who had purchased a puppy from the place. Veterinarians have claimed that the infection can severely affect children below five years of age, persons with weak immune system, and pregnant women.
Investigators have found that over 90% of the people purchased puppies through channels other than Petland Incorporation – online sources, shelters, friends, local advertising, and rescue programs, to name a few. Petland has agreed to help CDC in its investigation related to the cause of Campylobacter infection in the humans. The firm has also provided a traceback of puppy sales to CDC, in addition to generating awareness regarding hand and kennel sanitation among pet lovers. The investigation is still in place, as Petland as well as pet lovers keenly await the final verdict by the CDC.