Foodborne Illness – Yersiniosis

Yersiniosis is an infection caused by a bacteria (germ) called Yersinia that is found in the stool (bowel movements) of infected people and animals and in some types of food. It does not come from the mouth of an infected person.

Symptoms

Sometimes people have no symptoms, yet carry the bacteria in their stool. People who have not taken an antibiotic treatment may have the bacteria in their stool for 2 to 3 months, even if they have no symptoms. Symptoms start 3 to 7 days after exposure and include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain (sometimes like appendicitis)
• Fever
• A variety of other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting

How It Is Spread

• Infected people who do not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom can spread the infection to other people
• Food or water contaminated by feces or urine from infected animals or pets (they may have no symptoms)
• Raw pork or pork products
• Blood transfusion

Diagnosis & Treatment

• The bacteria can be identified from a stool sample
• Antibiotics may be prescribed as a treatment

Prevention

• Wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, or animal contact, and before and after preparing food.
• Dispose of human, dog, and cat feces properly.
• Discard soiled diapers properly.
• Protect water supplies from human and animal waste.
• Drink and use only pasteurized milk.
• Cook food thoroughly.

NOTE: Persons with food handling, child care or patient care responsibilities should not handle food until all symptoms are gone.