Each holiday season, outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by Yersinia enterocolitica plague Georgians. Even though the name of the bacteria is difficult to pronounce here are some facts about this illness. Yersinia can be found in pigs and other animals. Anyone that consumes the bacteria can get sick. However, in Georgia, most of these infections occur in children less than 5 years old, especially babies less than two years old.
Small children come in contact with the bacteria in the kitchen where chitterlings are cleaned.
The bacteria contaminates hands and kitchen surfaces. Anything that has touched raw chitterlings or their juice could have the bacteria present. Symptoms usually begin within 3 to 7 days. Common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and stomach pains. Younger children and babies sometimes have severe bloody diarrhea.