The bacteria have been found in contaminated raw milk, ice-cream, tofu, pork and pork products, shellfish, unpasteurized chocolate milk, and lakes and streams contaminated by feces. The predominant symptoms of yersiniosis are fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which may occasionally be bloody. Other symptoms may include arthritis, headache, eye pain, throat pain when swallowing, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Symptoms usually start 3 to 7 days after infection with the bacteria. However, some people with yersiniosis continue to be infectious for weeks or months, even after the diarrhea has ended.
Most persons get well on their own without treatment.
Severe infections and infections in young children with diarrhea are usually treated with antibiotics. Do not drink raw milk or untreated water from lakes, ponds, or streams. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, after animal contact, and before handling food. Dispose of dog and cat feces promptly in a sanitary manner. Protect water supplies from animal and human feces.