Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that thirty Americans have been diagnosed with an infection linked to cuddling puppies.
Previously, the agency had issued a warning about Campylobacter on October 30, when more than 50 people were found infected across the United States. By now, almost 100 people with the infection or symptoms consistent with the infection have been linked to this outbreak, Daily Mail reported.
Campylobacter is one of the most common illness that humans contract from pets -- both dogs and cats, according to the CDC.
Five of the infected people have been hospitalised with symptoms of severe diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever and cramping. However, no deaths have been reported yet.
The outbreaks have been detected in states like Maryland, New York, New Hampshire, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
The new cases were identified in Connecticut and Massachusetts, bringing the total number of affected states to 17. CDC officials are urging citizens to report such cases, and have issued guidelines for dog lovers to stay safe.
Campylobacter causes diarrhoea, vomiting and fever in dogs, but the symptoms aren't always apparent or obvious.
In case of humans, the symptoms are quite similar but it also includes cramping, nausea and bloody stool.
CDC officials have advised pet owners to take proper care of their animals, clean up after touching their dogs and wash hands thoroughly.
The notice also suggests that pet owners should turn down puppy kisses, and keep them away from licking open wounds.
The outbreak notice reminded both pet owners and pet store employees that the best way to prevent the spread of the diseases is to keep the animals, their food, water and living space clean.
