Opportunistic etiological agents causing lung infections: emerging need to transform lung-targeted delivery

Humane Society Temporarily Limiting Dog Intakes After Dogs Test Positive For Strep Zoo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) said one of their dogs tested positive for Strep Zoo, with three others undetermined. To be safe, they're treating it as if all four have the bacterial infection.

According to HSPPR, Strep Zoo is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can affect dogs and cause serious illness and even death. Common symptoms of the infection include coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, labored breathing and coughing blood.

HSPPR said staff members caught the infection early and are now taking proactive measures to limit any further spread – including limiting new dog intakes, sanitizing kennels and treating nearly two hundred dogs with antibiotics.

"Dogs, unfortunately, we can't tell them to socially distance and wear masks,  so we have to help them by isolating and limiting the interaction that they have with other animals. And so that's why it's so important for us to keep as many animals out of the shelter as possible," said Zoie Keast, director of the shelter.

Under rare circumstances, the bacterial strain can impact humans as well who are immunocompromised with similar, but nasty symptoms.

Beginning Feb. 20, HSPPR will only accept emergency dog intakes for the next seven days. Emergency cases include those that involve urgent medical or public safety concerns.

The Colorado Springs Wellness Clinic will also be closed to dog vaccines, wellness appointments, and public dog spay and neuter surgeries for the next two weeks.

During this period, adoptions will remain open. The shelter said all dogs adopted during this period will receive prophylactic treatment before leaving HSPPR's care.

HSPPR is asking for donations to help with the steep cost of antibiotics for the four infected dogs. The shelter also asks that anyone who finds a stray dog and is willing to temporarily house it during this time fills out a found report instead of bringing the dog in.

"This is the preferred option to reduce intake and further potential exposure," HSPPR said.

Learn more about signs and symptoms of Strep zoo here.

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GHS Begins Cholera Vaccination Drive Amid Rising Cases

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has commenced a cholera vaccination campaign in Accra to combat the escalating outbreak of the disease across multiple regions.

This initiative, which begins Friday, 14th February, aims to immunise over 300,000 residents in the capital as part of urgent efforts to contain the spread of the life-threatening infection.

The nationwide cholera outbreak has already resulted in more than 4,000 reported cases across five regions—Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, and Western—prompting heightened concerns among health authorities and the public.

Tragically, over 40 lives have been lost due to the epidemic.

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, leading to severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, fatal complications.

The outbreak has been linked to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean drinking water, and unhygienic food handling practices.

Health experts caution that without immediate intervention, the situation could deteriorate further.

As part of the national response strategy, the Ministry of Health and GHS are deploying oral cholera vaccines (OCV) in high-risk communities.

The vaccine provides short-term protection against the disease and is particularly crucial in areas with inadequate potable water and sanitation facilities.

Authorities continue to urge the public to adhere to strict hygiene measures while vaccination efforts are underway.

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