Campylobacteriosis

What is it?

• Campylobacter is a germ that causes diarrhea in people
• People can get sick after eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the campylobacter germ
• Campylobacter germ can be found in the feces (poop) of animals like chickens, cows, puppies, kittens, sheep and birds
• Campylobacter is one of the number one causes of enteric disease in Ontario and happens mostly in the summer months

Signs and Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever

The time it takes to get sick after eating or drinking the bacteria in food or water is between 1-10 days, 2 and 5 days for most people. People can be sick for 1 to 2 weeks, but some may not get sick at all.

Prevention

• Keep food cold in fridges or coolers at 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit), or;

• Keep food warm in ovens or on stoves at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) until service

• Cook meats fully and use a meat thermometer to be sure

• Thaw or defrost meat in refrigerators and not on the counter (or use a microwave to thaw quickly)

• Wash hands often when making food (especially after working/playing with animals, handling raw meat or even packages of raw meat)

• Wash hands after taking care of pets

Cases of Campylobacter must be reported to your local Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.