Key points
- Campylobacter bacteria are a common cause of diarrheal illness. The illness is called campylobacteriosis.
- People most commonly get Campylobacter infection by eating raw or undercooked poultry.
- Eating other contaminated foods, drinking untreated water, and touching animals that carry Campylobacter can also cause infection.
Overview
Campylobacter are bacteria that can make people ill with diarrhea. The illness is called campylobacteriosis.
Fast facts
- Many Campylobacter infections are not diagnosed or reported.
- Most infections are not part of recognized outbreaks.
- Infections are more common in summer than in winter.
Illnesses linked to Campylobacter in the United States
Symptoms
Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include diarrhea, fever, and cramps. Most people fully recover within 7 days.
People at risk
Anyone can get Campylobacter infection. But some groups of people are at increased risk for infection or serious illness. These groups include
- Children younger than 5
- Adults 65 and older
- People with a weakened immune system
- People who work with animals
- International travelers
How it spreads
People can get infected in many ways.
It takes very few Campylobacter to make someone sick. For example, a single drop of juice from raw chicken can contain enough Campylobacter to cause an infection.
Common ways people get infected include:
- Eating raw or undercooked poultry or other foods, including seafood, meat, and produce
- Preparing raw or lightly cooked foods, including salad and fruits, with knives or on cutting boards that were used with raw poultry, seafood, or meat
- Touching animals or their food, water, poop, belongings (such as toys and bowls), or habitats (such as beds, cages, tanks, coops, stalls, and barns)
- Drinking untreated water
Campylobacter can spread from animals to people.
Campylobacter can live in the intestines, liver, and other organs of animals, including pets. Many animals can carry Campylobacter without becoming sick. If the Campylobacter spreads from the animal, it can make people sick.
Causes of past outbreaks
Outbreaks of Campylobacter infection among people have been linked to many sources, including
- Poultry
- Raw (unpasteurized) milk and dairy products
- Seafood
- Untreated water
- Produce
- Pet store puppies
Prevention
You can help protect yourself and others from Campylobacter infection:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Be careful when preparing raw meat.
- Drink treated water and pasteurized milk.
- Be mindful when playing with or taking care of pets.
Diagnosis
Campylobacter infection is diagnosed by a laboratory test, which provides information your healthcare provider can use to make treatment decisions.
Treatment
Most people with Campylobacter infection get better without using antibiotics. People with diarrhea should drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration.
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