Campylobacteriosis - NYC Health

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Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis is an infection of the intestines that may spread to the blood stream. It can lead to prolonged illness, with relapses, in adults. Campylobacteriosis is more likely to be spread in the summer and early fall.

Campylobacteriosis is spread by consuming contaminated water or foods, or by contact with infected animals. Animals such as pigs, cattle, dogs and birds, particularly poultry, carry the bacteria in their intestines. The infection is not commonly spread from one person to another.

Symptoms

Campylobacteriosis may cause mild or severe diarrhea, which may be bloody. Other symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms generally appear two to five days after exposure.

Campylobacter bacteria live in the stool, so people should stay home from work, school, or day care if they have diarrhea. Once their stools are solid, people can return to work or school. Food handlers, health care workers, day care employees, and children younger than 5 years in day care must get approval from the Health Department before they can return to their routine activities. This may involve follow-up stool testing to be sure that they are no longer infectious.

Prevention

Always treat raw poultry, beef and pork as if they are contaminated.

You can keep your food safe from bacteria by following these tips:

Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags to prevent blood from dripping on other foods.

Refrigerate foods promptly.

Wash cutting boards and counters immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods.

Ensure that food reaches the correct internal cooking temperatures.

Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats.

Avoid eating raw eggs or undercooking food containing raw eggs.

Avoid using raw milk.

Washing Hands

If you have campylobacteriosis, you will most likely recover on your own. Most people will only require fluids to prevent dehydration. Since relapses can occur, some health care providers may treat mild cases with antibiotics.

Treatment

If you have campylobacteriosis, you will most likely recover on your own. Most people will only require fluids to prevent dehydration. Since relapses can occur, some health care providers may treat mild cases with antibiotics.

Generally, you will stop experiencing diarrhea within about a week. Antibiotics are only needed for patients who are very ill or who have weakened immune systems.

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