What is a Campylobacter Infection?

A Campylobacter infection is a common foodborne illness. The infection often occurs from eating contaminated food such as raw or undercooked poultry. You can also get it from infected animal feces, drinking contaminated water or raw milk.

While some infected people are asymptomatic, others will display symptoms 2-5 days after being infected. The following are common symptoms of Campylobacter infection and they last about a week.

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea (which could be bloody)

How is Campylobacter infection Diagnosed?

Campylobacter infection is diagnosed through stool samples. Most people recover without any specific treatment. If you experience diarrhea with this infection, be sure to stay hydrated so you don’t end up with a secondary issue. For those who have a severe case or are immuned compromised, then they may need to antibiotics. In rare cases, the infection can cause reactive arthritis or Guillain-Barre syndrome.

To prevent Campylobacter infection, cook meat thoroughly. Use a separate cutting board and utensils for meats. Make sure to clean them carefully with soap and hot water after you use them. Good hand washing practices always helps, especially after handling feces or any kind.