Multi-state outbreak of drug resistant Campylobacter reported by CDC

CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni infections linked to puppies purchased from pet stores.

30 people infected with the outbreak strain of Campylobacter jejuni have been reported from 13 states.

• 4 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been reported.

1. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that contact with puppies, especially those at pet stores, is the likely source of this outbreak.

2. Among 24 people interviewed,

   • 21 (88%) of the 24 people reported contact with a puppy.

   • 15 (71%) of these 21 people reported contact with a puppy from a pet store.

   • 12 (80%) of these 15 people were linked to Petland, a national pet store chain.

   • 5 (42%) of these 12 people were Petland employees.

3. Laboratory evidence indicates that bacteria from ill people in this outbreak are closely related genetically to bacteria from ill people in the 2016–2018 outbreak of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter infections linked to pet store puppies.

4. Campylobacter bacteria isolated from clinical samples from ill people in this outbreak are resistant to commonly recommended, first-line antibiotics. For more information, see CDC’s Advice to Clinicians.

5. The investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide updates when more information is available.