Symptoms generally appear 3 to 7 days after exposure. Animals are the main source of the bacteria that cause yersiniosis. Fecal wastes from animals may contaminate water, milk and foods and become a source of infection for people or other animals. The bacteria are passed in the feces during the time the person is experiencing diarrhea and in some cases for a few weeks or months afterward. For this reason, infected people must be very careful to thoroughly wash their hands after each toilet visit.
Most cases recover on their own without treatment.
Those with severe symptoms or bloodstream infections are generally treated with antibiotics. Thoroughly cook meat, especially pork to an internal temperature of 150 F. Practice good handwashing after handling animals, especially domestic pets. For more information contact your Local Health Department .