How
is campylobacteriosis spread?
The campylobacter bacteria must be swallowed
to cause an infection. This usually happens when someone eats
contaminated food that has not been properly cooked or pasteurized,
or drinks contaminated water. campylobacteriosis can be spread
from one person to another if an infected individual prepares
food for other people without thoroughly washing his or her
hands first. The infection sometimes spreads in day-care centers
and other institutions because hand washing among very young
children and disabled adults may not always be thorough. People
can also be infected by their pets, especially puppies and kittens.
What kinds of food are most likely
to be contaminated?
Campylobacter is most commonly found in
uncooked food from animal sources such as poultry (chicken,
turkey, etc.), meat and unpasteurized milk. Some people have
been infected by eating raw shellfish. However, thorough cooking
or pasteurizing will kill the bacteria and make these foods
safe to eat.
Are
there other sources of campylobacter?
Campylobacter has been found in the
stools (feces) of infected people and most farm animals and
pets (including cattle, poultry, cats and dogs), whether they
are sick or healthy. The bacteria have also been found in
different kinds of wild animals. Therefore you should wash
your hands thoroughly after any contact with animals or their
stools to prevent
infection.
How is campylobacteriosis diagnosed?
Campylobacteriosis is usually diagnosed
through laboratory testing of stool samples. It takes several
days for the lab to complete its work after your doctor or
local board of health sends in the stool sample.
How is campylobacteriosis treated?
Most people get well without any treatment.
Some people with campylobacteriosis become dehydrated and
must be given extra fluids, either to drink or by intravenous
(IV) solutions. People who become severely ill for longer
than usual, or whose work or living situations make it likely
that their infection will spread to others, are usually treated
with antibiotics.
How
can you prevent campylobacteriosis?
Follow these general guidelines:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with
soap and water before preparing food or eating and after using
the bathroom, changing diapers, playing with your pets or
cleaning up after them.
• Cook all food from animal sources thoroughly, especially
poultry. If the meat or poultry is still pink in the center,
it is not thoroughly cooked.
• Use only clean utensils, dishes and cutting boards
to prepare food that is already cooked or will be eaten raw.
Anything you use to prepare meat, seafood or poultry including
your hands and the table or countertop - should be washed
thoroughly before you touch any other food.
• Do not eat raw shellfish or unpasteurized dairy products
(such as cheese).
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat anything made
with unpasteurized milk.
• Do not drink from untreated water supplies when you
go camping or hiking.
• Take special precautions any time you take care of
someone who has campylobacteriosis or diarrhea. Promptly and
carefully throw out any disposable material that has been
contaminated with stool. After changing diapers, clothes or
sheets, thoroughly wash your hands and anything that cannot
be thrown out.
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