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Campylobacter jejuni
by
Utah Coalition for Food Safety*

Utah Coalition for Food Safety Website

Campylobacter is recognized as one of the leading causes of diarrhea in the United States. An estimated 2.4 million persons are affected each year. Utah is not exempt, it is a major source of foodborne illness here as well. As shown in the following figure on Campylobacter cases in Utah, the general trend is upward. Therefore, we must all work together, from those who process food to those who eat it to decrease the cases of this infection each year. This bacteria affects all age groups. Infants and young adults are particularly likely to be infected.

   
 

 
 
   

Many cases go unreported because the cases tend to be isolated, sporadic events, not part of large outbreaks. A recent outbreak of Campylobacter in Utah followed a fairly common pattern. During January of 2009, 13 members of a boys basketball team in a rural central Utah community became ill with Campylobacteriosis following a team breakfast. The cause was raw cows milk.

Sources of the infection:
Sources of Infection CDC estimates 80% poultry for human consumption is contaminated
Sources of Infection Birds contaminated show no signs of illness
Sources of Infection Unpasteurized milk is contaminated if the cow has a Campylobacter infection in her udder or the milk is contaminated with manure
Sources of Infection Raw milk is a common source
Sources of Infection Contaminated water, vegetables, and shellfish may also be sources
Sources of Infection Surface water (mountain streams) can become contaminated by infected feces from domestic livestock, pets, or birds
Sources of Infection Community water supplies account for the majority of reported waterborne outbreaks
  Those infected with Campylobacter range from no symptoms to severely ill. Most people who become ill with Campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within 2-5 days after exposure. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It typically lasts 7 days, but occasionally up to 10 days.

Although rare, some long-term consequences can result. Some people may have arthritis following Campylobacteriosis; others may develop a rare disease that affects the nerves of the body beginning several weeks after the diarrheal illness. This disease, called Guillain-Barre syndrome, occurs when a person's immune system is "triggered" to attack the body's own nerves, and can lead to paralysis that lasts several weeks and requires intensive care. It is estimated that 1 in every 1000 reported Campylobacteriosis cases leads to Guillain-Barre syndrome. As many as 40% of the Guillain-Barre' syndrome cases in this country may be triggered by Campylobacteriosis.

                                            Prevention of Campylobacteriosis

Prevention of Campylobacteriosis Avoid unpasteruized milk. Don't drink untreated surface water.
Prevention of Campylobacteriosis Cook all animal foods, especially poultry products. Avoid washing poultry before cooking because it increases he likelihood of cross-contamination from water splashing in the sink.
Prevention of Campylobacteriosis Sanitizers are effective at commonly used concentrations.
Prevention of Campylobacteriosis Prevent cross-contamination:
~~~Use separate cutting boards for food of animal origin and other foods.
~~~Carefully clean all cutting boards, countertops, and utensils with soap and hot water.
~~~Sanitize countertops which may become contaminated.
Prevention of Campylobacteriosis Teach your family proper hand washing techniques. Child care providers must wash their hands thoroughly and frequently after changing diapers or helping children in the bathroom.
Prevention of Campylobacteriosis Always wash hands thoroughly after having contact with pets, their cages, and liter boxes. Keep pets away from the preparation of food.

 

 
Email the WebMaster
Email the Web Master
Tooele County Health Department Environmental Health
151 North Main Street • Tooele, Utah • 84074
(435) 277-2440   •  (435) 277-2444 Fax
"Protecting Your Future"