Campylobacteriosis
What is campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal
tract and, rarely, the bloodstream. It is probably the most common cause
of bacterial diarrhea in New York State. Most cases are seen in the
summer months and occur as single cases or outbreaks.
Is this a new disease?
No. Campylobacteriosis has probably been in existence for many years
but has only recently been recognized as a common infection due to improved
laboratory methods.
Who gets campylobacteriosis?
Anyone can get campylobacter infection.
How is the germ spread?
Campylobacter are generally spread by eating or drinking contaminated
food or water and, occasionally, by contact with infected people or
animals.
What are the symptoms of campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis may cause mild or severe diarrhea, often with fever
and traces of blood in the stool.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms generally appear two to five days after the exposure.
Where are the campylobacter germs found?
Many animals including swine, cattle dogs and birds (particularly
poultry) carry the germ in their intestines. These sources in turn may
contaminate meat products (particularly poultry), water supplies, milk
and other items in the food chain.
For how long can a person carry the campylobacter germ?
Generally, infected people will continue to pass the germ in their
feces for a few days to a week or more. Certain antibiotics may shorten
the carrier phase.
Do infected people need to be isolated or excluded from school or work?
Since the organism is passed in the feces, only people with active
diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (infants, young
children, certain handicapped individuals, for example) should be isolated.
Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools
become formed provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet
visits. Food handlers, children in day care and health care workers
must obtain the approval of the local or state health department before
returning to their routine activities.
What is the treatment for campylobacteriosis?
Most people infected with campylobacter will recover on their own
or require fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are occasionally
used to treat severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase, which may
be important for food handlers, children in day care and health care
workers. Since relapses occasionally occur, some physicians might treat
mild cases with antibiotics to prevent a recurrence of symptoms.
How can campylobacteriosis be prevented?
- Always treat raw poultry, beef and pork as if they are contaminated
and handle accordingly:
- Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to
prevent blood from dripping on other foods.
- Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding at room
temperature.
- Cutting boards and counters used for preparation
should be washed immediately after use to prevent cross contamination
with other foods.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats.
- Ensure that the correct internal cooking temperature
is reached particularly when using a microwave.
- Avoid eating raw eggs or undercooking foods containing raw eggs.
- Avoid using raw milk.
- Encourage careful handwashing before and after food preparation.
- Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, wash their
hands carefully.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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