Campylobacter Infection

A Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) is a common stomach bug. It occurs when Campylobacter bacteria get into your system and make you sick. You usually get it from something you eat or drink. The infection causes:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping
• Vomiting
• Fever

Many people call this infection food poisoning. But the bacteria can also spread in other ways, like through contact with an infected animal. Most people feel sick for about five to seven days. But they recover just fine without treatment. To care for yourself at home, rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

How common are Campylobacter infections?

Campylobacter infections are very common among children and adults. They’re one of the top causes of diarrhea among people of all ages in the U.S. and globally.

Researchers estimate about 1.5 million Campylobacter infections occur each year in the U.S. They’re more common in the summer than in the winter.

Campylobacter symptoms

Campylobacteriosis symptoms include:

• Diarrhea that may contain blood (this may be the only symptom in infants)
• Stomach cramping
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

You’ll notice symptoms about two to five days after you’re exposed to the bacteria. They’ll last for about a week.

Stomach bugs like Campylobacter can quickly lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration to look out for in older children and adults include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Not peeing often
• Skin that’s warm to the touch

Signs of dehydration in babies and toddlers include:

• Peeing less than normal
• Fewer or no tears when crying
• Lack of interest in playing
• Excessive sleepiness

What causes a Campylobacter infection?

Campylobacter bacteria cause this type of infection. These bacteria are the germs that make you sick. People call Campylobacter a stomach bug because a germ infects you. But it’s not quite the same as stomach flu. Still, many people use the terms interchangeably, and the symptoms are similar.

Is Campylobacter a virus?

No, Campylobacter is a bacterial infection, not a virus.

What is Campylobacter jejuni?

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is the species of Campylobacter bacteria that’s most likely to make you sick.

When you’re stuck in the bathroom, you’re not thinking about which germ caused it. You just want to get better. But scientists keep track of the types of germs that cause different illnesses, including bacterial infections and viral infections. With Campylobacter infections, the culprits come from the Campylobacter genus of bacteria. A genus is a big category that contains many different species.

There are more than 20 Campylobacter species, but not all of them can make you sick. The species that causes the most Campylobacter infections in humans is C. jejuni. The next most common is Campylobacter coli (C. coli).

How do you get a Campylobacter infection?

Campylobacter bacteria spread to humans mostly through contaminated food and water. But they can also spread in other ways. Most people get sick from:

• Drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk. Bacteria can enter the milk through trace amounts of manure or when a cow has an udder infection.
• Eating poultry that’s not fully cooked. This includes chicken, turkey, duck and goose.
• Drinking untreated water. For instance, if you drink water from contaminated streams or wells.

Though less common, you can also get a Campylobacter infection from:

• Eating food that’s touched raw poultry or its juices, like lettuce prepared on a cutting board that contains traces of raw chicken juice
• Eating other types of meat or seafood that aren’t fully cooked
• Eating contaminated fruits or veggies
• Contact with the poop of infected animals, including pets

Is Campylobacter contagious?

Yes, it’s possible for you to spread the infection to others. The bacteria live in your poop. From there, they can spread from your hands to other people. If someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, they might get sick. But transmission between humans doesn’t happen as often as other methods (like eating undercooked poultry).

To avoid spreading Campylobacter, wash your hands well after using the bathroom.

When can people with Campylobacter return to work or school?

It’s generally safe to return once the diarrhea goes away and your poop becomes solid. But your healthcare provider is the best person to ask about how soon you or your child can return to normal activities. If you handle food or work in healthcare, you may need to stay home until all your symptoms are gone to avoid the risk of getting others sick.

Complications of this condition

Campylobacter infections may lead to complications like:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Reactive arthritis
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (rare)

People who have a weakened immune system may have more serious complications, like a bloodstream infection. This can lead to a dangerous immune reaction called sepsis.

Sepsis is a medical emergency. Go to an emergency room immediately if you develop:

• A fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Fast heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme pain or discomfort

How doctors diagnose Campylobacter infections

The most common test to find a Campylobacter infection is a stool (poop) test. Your healthcare provider sends a sample of your poop to a lab. There, technicians test it for bacteria.

Rarely, providers need to order a blood test to check if the bacteria have spread to your blood.

How are Campylobacter infections treated?

Most people don’t need treatment for a Campylobacter infection. It just has to run its course. That takes about one week. You can help avoid dehydration by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Replenishing your electrolytes, possibly with a sports drink

Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe antibiotics for people at risk of getting very sick. These include people who:

• Are over age 65
• Are pregnant
• Have a weakened immune system

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Most people recover fine without the need for medical care. Call your provider if you’re pregnant, over age 65 or have a weakened immune system. They’ll talk to you about your risk for complications. They’ll let you know if you need treatment. You should also call your provider if you feel like you’re not getting better after about a week.

What can I expect if I have a Campylobacter infection?

A Campylobacter infection can make you quite sick. But your symptoms should go away in five to seven days. Most people don’t have complications or long-term issues. If you develop complications, your healthcare provider will tell you what you can expect.

How can I prevent a Campylobacter infection?

You can’t always prevent infections like Campylobacter. But there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk. Here are some simple steps you can take in your daily life to help keep your family healthy:

• Be careful in the kitchen. Following food safety guidelines can greatly lower your risk of foodborne illness. It’s especially important to take care when handling raw meat. Research shows Campylobacter commonly live on raw poultry (like chicken, turkey and duck). Even one drop of raw poultry juice can make you sick.
• Thoroughly cook meat and seafood. Cooking meat to the proper temperature can kill Campylobacter and other bacteria that could cause illness. Use caution when consuming raw fish. But avoid it completely if you’re pregnant, over age 65 or have a weakened immune system.
• Choose pasteurized dairy. Unpasteurized (raw) milk is a leading cause of Campylobacter infections. Other products, like soft cheeses, might also contain unpasteurized milk even if it’s not as obvious. Read the labels on dairy products. Look for the word “pasteurized” to know they’re safe.
• Drink clean water. Campylobacter and other bacteria can easily contaminate water, even if it looks clean. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for public water safety. But if you drink well water, you need to make sure it’s free of bacteria and other germs. Ask your provider how to avoid contaminated water when traveling.
• Wash your hands. Campylobacter is a germ. Germs love to hang out on your hands. From there, it’s just a short journey to your eyes, nose or mouth. Then, they can enter your body and make you sick. Good hand hygiene can protect you and others. This includes washing your hands before preparing food, after using the bathroom and after changing a baby’s diaper.

Preventing Campylobacter when you have a pet

Furry family members can spread germs just like humans do. Cats, dogs and other common pets sometimes carry Campylobacter bacteria. You can avoid getting sick by washing your hands after you:

• Touch your pet
• Touch their food, water, bed or toys
• Clean up their poop, pee or throw up