Campylobacter infection is a type of stomach flu (gastroenteritis). Some people call it food poisoning. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramping and fever.
This foodborne illness starts after someone eats or drinks something that has Campylobacter bacteria in it. If you take in enough bacteria, you may become infected. Usually, symptoms show up one to seven days after coming into contact with the bacteria.
How do you get Campylobacter infection?
A Campylobacter infection starts after someone eats or drinks something with the bacteria. Uncooked or undercooked food can lead to an infection. Some common foods that can have Campylobacter are:
Chicken.
Dairy products that have not been pasteurized (sterilized to kill bacteria).
Produce.
Seafood.
Untreated water.
You can also get the bacteria from accidentally touching the waste (poop) of an infected animal. Cats and dogs can both carry Campylobacter. And some people have gotten infected after handling puppies for sale at a pet store. Always make sure you wash your hands after cleaning up after an infected pet or handling unfamiliar animals.
Older people and the very young have the highest infection risk. Also, people with weaker immune systems can more easily get infected. Weakened immune systems can come from cancer treatment, immunodeficient states, being a smoker or drinking a lot of alcohol.
What are Campylobacter symptoms?
A Campylobacter infection has symptoms that you would expect with so-called stomach flu (which is not the same as influenza, a respiratory illness). You may have:
Not everyone will get sick. Those who do get sick usually start feeling ill one to seven days after infection. Symptoms last about one week.
How is Campylobacter infection treated?
For most cases of food poisoning, there is no specific treatment. The illness will run its course in about a week. If your healthcare provider can confirm a Campylobacter infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help speed up recovery.
Your healthcare provider will recommend drinking more fluids because diarrhea and vomiting can both cause dehydration. Also, make sure you replenish electrolytes — essential minerals, such as sodium, calcium and potassium. A sports drink can help with electrolytes.
How is Campylobacter infection diagnosed?
The most common test to detect a Campylobacter infection uses a stool sample. Your healthcare provider sends a sample of your poop to the lab, where technicians test it for the bacteria.
In extremely rare cases, the bacteria can get into your blood. If this happens, it can cause a life-threatening infection. Your healthcare provider will order a blood test to check if this has happened.
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