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Epidemiology Corner - March 17, 2000
Campylobacter
According to the CDC, Campylobacter enteritis is the most common cause of bacterial related diarrhea in the United States. It is one of the communicable diseases that is reportable to the State of Texas. There are approximately 10,000 cases reported per year. However, Campylobacter infections are often not reported. Therefore, the actual rate of infection may be as much as one percent of the U.S. population per year. Five hundred persons die every year from Campylobacter enteritis. Sixty-seven Campylobacter cases were reported to HDHHS in 1999. Fifty-five of the cases were Houston residents and twelve were non-Houston residents. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, malaise, fever, nausea and vomiting. In particular, infants and young adults are at risk. Immune compromised individuals are at risk of the infection spreading to the bloodstream. Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of this illness. It can be found in raw meats, especially poultry. Also, unpasteurized milk and contaminated water can be sources of infection. Dogs and cats can transmit the infection in their stools. To avoid infection all meats should be cooked thoroughly. Wash hands before and after handling raw meats Wash cutting boards and utensils after preparing raw meats. Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and contaminated water. |
