This varies from mild to very severe, is often liquid and foul smelling and sometimes contains blood. Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting also often occur. The diagnosis is confirmed by a laboratory test on a faecal specimen. Young children could infect each other, and adults could catch it from their infected infants as nappy changing is a likely way of spreading the disease. The illness usually lasts between 2 to 5 days, but occasionally up to 10 days.
Cramps sometimes continue longer and relapses can occur.
Although the symptoms may have gone, excretion of the bacteria in the faeces can continue for several weeks. Treatment Generally no specific treatment is needed except for fluid replacement and rest. But a short course of antibiotics may occasionally be given if the illness is very severe. Although infection produces immunity to that particular type, it may not prevent illness from other strains of Campylobacter. School Everyone with this infection should stay off work or school while they have symptoms.