Three people have been infected with salmonellosis after contact with contaminated dog treats, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
The Massachusetts DPH is advising consumers who have any Dog Gone Dog Treats to dispose of them.
The confirmed patients include three residents of Essex County, MA, two adults in their 70s and one child.
One open bag from a customer and several unopened bags purchased last week all tested positive for Salmonella at the State Public Health Laboratory.
The implicated products:
Dog Gone Dog Treats are made in Georgetown, MA, and include chicken “chips,” beef liver, and sweet potato “chips.”
They have been sold in:
- Essex County Co-Op in Topsfield
- New England Dog Biscuit Company in Salem
- Gimme Chews & Moore in Haverhill
- Animal Krackers in Gloucester
All stores have been ordered to remove any existing product from their shelves and no additional product is currently being made.
People get Salmonella infections if they eat or handle food that has been contaminated with the bacteria and the food has not been properly handled, prepared, or cooked. Handwashing can decrease the danger of infection after handling the treats.
Dogs that become ill from Salmonella infection may experience diarrhea that can contain blood or mucus, may seem more tired than usual and may have a fever or vomit. It is also possible for dogs to have Salmonella infection and not appear sick. Those concerned that their dogs may have become ill after eating the treats should consult their veterinarians.
About Salmonella infections in humans
Human food and animal feed contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has come in contact with any of the products mentioned above and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
