Reports of Selected Campylobacter Outbreak Investigations
- 2019 multidrug-resistant outbreak linked to pet store puppies
- 2016–2018 multidrug-resistant outbreak linked to pet store puppies
- 2014 outbreak in Utah associated with raw milk
- 2012 outbreak in Nevada associated with a muddy race
- 2012 outbreak in the northeastern U.S. associated with undercooked chicken livers
- 2011 Guillain-Barré syndrome outbreak in U.S. and Mexico associated with tap waterexternal icon
Questions & Answers
Campylobacter outbreaks are not commonly reported, considering how often people get sick from this bacteria, but the frequency has been increasing. The average number of outbreaks reported each year from 2004 through 2009 was 22; it was 31 from 2010 through 2012 and 29 from 2013 through 2017.
Poultry, raw milk, and untreated water have been the most commonly identified sources of Campylobacter outbreaks. From 2010 through 2017, state, local, and territorial public health agencies reported 236 foodborne Campylobacter outbreaks, accounting for 2,381 illnesses, to CDC’s Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System.
Outbreaks caused by Campylobacter, by food category, 2010–2017
Outbreaks are identified when there is an increase in the number of cases reported in a specific location or time period. State, local, and territorial public health departments have the primary responsibility for identifying and investigating Campylobacter outbreaks.
Outbreaks are reported to CDC by state health departments through the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS).