Yersiniosis

Bacteria - Yersinia enterocolitica

Symptoms - Abdominal pain which mimics appendicitis, fever, diarrhea, headache, blood and mucus in the stool.  The bacteria can also spread into the bloodstream which can cause complications.  In some individuals, no symptoms will be exhibited and they can be carriers of the bacteria.

Sources - Infection occurs most often by eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork, as pigs are the major source for Yersinia enterocolitica.  A less common mode of infection occurs from drinking unpasteurized milk or untreated water.  Improper handwashing after handling contaminated food or the bacteria passing from the stool to the fingers of one person to the mouth of another person is another way the infection can be transmitted.

Incubation Period - In general, symptoms normally begin to develop 4-7 days after exposure to the Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria.

Duration of  Illness - The illness lasts anywhere from a week to several weeks, and the bacteria will be shed in the stool for as long as symptoms exist.  In untreated cases, the bacteria can be shed in the stool for as long as 2-3 months.

Treatment - Specific antibiotics are used to treat an infection and are highly effective.

Prevention - Be sure to thoroughly cook all pork before eating and drink only pasteurized milk.  It is important to thoroughly wash hands after handling raw meat, and sanitize all food prep surfaces, cutting boards, utensils and any other items that contact food between each use to prevent cross-contamination.

For more information on Yersiniosis, Click Here  

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