What is it?
- Campylobacter is a germ that causes diarrhea in people
- People can get sick after eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the campylobacter germ
- Campylobacter germ can be found in the feces (poop) of animals like chickens, cows, puppies, kittens, sheep and birds
- Campylobacter is one of the number one causes of enteric disease in Ontario and happens mostly in the summer months
Signs and Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
The time it takes to get sick after eating or drinking the bacteria in food or water is between 1-10 days, 2 and 5 days for most people. People can be sick for 1 to 2 weeks, but some may not get sick at all.
Prevention
- Keep food cold in fridges or coolers at 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit), or;
- Keep food warm in ovens or on stoves at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) until service
- Cook meats fully and use a meat thermometer to be sure
- Thaw or defrost meat in refrigerators and not on the counter (or use a microwave to thaw quickly)
- Wash hands often when making food (especially after working/playing with animals, handling raw meat or even packages of raw meat)
- Wash hands after taking care of pets
Cases of Campylobacter must be reported to your local Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.