Foodborne Illness – Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni. The bacteria is commonly found in the feces of infected people and animals.

Symptoms

Infected persons may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Symptoms start 1 to 10 days after exposure, but usually within 3 to 5 days.

• Mild to severe diarrhea (may be bloody)
• Stomach cramps
• Fever (can be high)
• Vomiting
• Convulsions (in severe cases)

How It Is Spread

• People can get the infection by eating contaminated food, or by drinking contaminated water or unpasteurized milk. The bacteria are often found in poorly cooked meat or poultry.
• People can also get the illness from infected pets (especially puppies and kittens with diarrhea), or from handling wild animals.
• The bacteria can also be spread from an infected person to others. Bacteria leave the body in the stool and enter another person when hands, food, or objects, contaminated with stool, are put in the mouth.
• Infected persons or animals are contagious as long as the bacteria are in the stool – this may be several days or weeks.

Diagnosis & Treatment

• The disease can be diagnosed from a stool sample.
• Most people recover without treatment. If the infection is severe or prolonged, an antibiotic may be prescribed.

Prevention

• Wash hands well with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Make sure children also wash their hands well after going to the bathroom.
• Wash hands well before and after preparing food, especially after handling raw meat or poultry.
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat cheese made from unpasteurized milk.
• Thoroughly cook all meats, especially poultry.
• Make sure that other foods, such as fruits or vegetables, do not come into contact with cutting boards or knives that have been used with raw meat or poultry. Wash, rinse, and sanitize contaminated surfaces carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
• Wash hands after handling animals, including pets, and their waste.