All age groups can be infected by Campylobacter . Improperly cooked poultry, untreated water, and unpasteurized milk are the main sources of infection. Major symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain, not feeling well, and fever. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and frequently bloody diarrhea. Many infections may be without symptoms.
Symptoms usually start two to five days after infection.
The range can be one to ten days. Poultry, especially chickens, turkeys and water fowl usually carry the organism. Most farm animals and meat sources can carry the organism. People can spread the disease for several days to several weeks after they are infected. The period of communicability can be shortened to a few days by providing treatment.