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What is Campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus
Campylobacter. Campylobacter is actually a group of
spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Most human
illness is caused by one species, called Campylobacter jejuni.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, cramping, stomach pain,
and fever within 2 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria. Your diarrhea may
be bloody, and you may feel sick to your stomach and vomit. The illness usually
lasts 1 week. Some people don't have any symptoms at all.
How can Campylobacteriosis be treated?
Virtually all persons infected with Campylobacter will recover without any
specific treatment. Patients should drink plenty of fluids as long as the
diarrhea lasts. In more severe cases, antibiotics such as erythromycin or a
fluoroquinolone can be used, and can shorten the duration of symptoms if they
are given early in the illness. Do not use medications, including antibiotics
and other treatments, unless your health professional recommends them.
How can I prevent Campylobacteriosis?
- Wash your hands with soap and water as hot as possible after handling raw
poultry.
- Cook the meat thoroughly. The juice should run clear, and you shouldn't see a
hint of pink.
- All cutting boards, surfaces, plates, and kitchen utensils that touch raw
poultry should be washed immediately with soap and hot water.
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and non-meat items, such as vegetables.
- Store foods safely. Cook, refrigerate, or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and
ready-to-eat foods within 2 hours. Make sure your refrigerator is set at 40 F or
colder.
- When in doubt, throw it out. If you are not sure whether a food is safe, don't
eat it. Reheating food that is contaminated will not make it safe. Don't taste
suspicious food.
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