Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract and, rarely, the bloodstream. It is probably the most common cause of bacterial diarrhea in New York State. Most cases are seen in the summer months and occur as single cases or outbreaks.
No. Campylobacteriosis has probably been in existence for many years but has only recently been recognized as a common infection due to improved laboratory methods.
Anyone can get campylobacter infection.
Campylobacter are generally spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water and, occasionally, by contact with infected people or animals.
Campylobacteriosis may cause mild or severe diarrhea, often with fever and traces of blood in the stool.
The symptoms generally appear two to five days after the exposure.
Many animals including swine, cattle dogs and birds (particularly poultry) carry the germ in their intestines. These sources in turn may contaminate meat products (particularly poultry), water supplies, milk and other items in the food chain.
Generally, infected people will continue to pass the germ in their feces for a few days to a week or more. Certain antibiotics may shorten the carrier phase.
Since the organism is passed in the feces, only people with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals, for example) should be isolated. Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits. Food handlers, children in day care and health care workers must obtain the approval of the local or state health department before returning to their routine activities.
Most people infected with campylobacter will recover on their own or require fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase, which may be important for food handlers, children in day care and health care workers. Since relapses occasionally occur, some physicians might treat mild cases with antibiotics to prevent a recurrence of symptoms.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health