What is campylobacteriosis?

Campylobacteriosis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by bacteria called Campylobacter. In Australia, Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis. Most infections occur after people eat contaminated poultry. Infection can occur at any time of the year, but is more common in the warmer months when bacteria grow more easily.

What are the symptoms of campylobacteriosis?

Symptoms usually develop 2 to 5 days after infection and last from one to two weeks. Common symptoms include:

• diarrhoea (which may contain blood or mucous)
• cramping
• abdominal pain
• fever.
  

In rare cases, Campylobacter can enter the bloodstream and cause more serious disease.

How does campylobacteriosis spread?

Campylobacter is usually spread when people eat or drink contaminated food (mainly poultry), water or unpasteurised milk. It can also be spread:

• between people via the hands of someone who is sick
• via contact with cats, dogs and farm animals.
  

Who is at risk of campylobacteriosis?

Anyone can get campylobacteriosis, although some people are at greater risk of infection, including:

• very young children
• the elderly
• people with poor immunity
• people who work with farm animals.
  

How can campylobacteriosis be prevented?

You can take a number of actions to prevent the spread of Campylobacter:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after going to the toilet, changing nappies, handling raw food (especially poultry), gardening, or touching animals.
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling and eating food.
• Cook food thoroughly —​ this kills Campylobacter.
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat, poultry or eggs.
• Don’t eat poultry if it is pink in the middle.
• Follow NSW Food Authority guidance on safe food preparation at home​, including storing raw food in sealed containers, using separate chopping boards for raw foods, and washing vegetables before preparing or eating.
• Keep refrigerated food below 5°C, reheat food quickly until all parts are thoroughly heated, and keep hot foods above 60°C until ready to eat.

People experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms should not handle or serve food, or care for children or the elderly, until 2 days after symptoms stop.

How is campylobacteriosis diagnosed?

Your doctor or local hospital will request a stool sample for laboratory testing.

How is campylobacteriosis treated?

Most people recover with rest and fluids. Recovery usually takes one week, but may take up to two weeks. Your doctor may recommend a rehydration solution to help with dehydration caused by diarrhoea.

In severe or complicated cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to shorten the illness.​​​

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