Campylobacter (Campy)
Campy is a common infection caused by a type of bacteria, called Campylobacter, that affects the stomach and, rarely, the bloodstream. It's the main reason people get bacterial-induced diarrhea in the United States. Symptoms usually show up 2-5 days after getting infected and stick around for about a week. Even though it's not common for the infection to spread from person to person or cause big outbreaks, some people, like those who are 65 or older, pregnant, or have weaker immune systems, are more likely to get seriously sick.
Campy Cases in Whitman County
How Did I Get Campy?
Campy is usually passed on when you eat or drink something that's been contaminated, or if you come into contact with poop from a person, animal, or pet that's infected—especially baby dogs and cats. The main sources where Campylobacter is often found are in poultry, raw milk, and water that hasn't been treated.
What Are Common Symptoms of Campy?
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain & Fatigue
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Cramping
How Do I Treat Campy?
Most people who catch Campylobacter can get better on their own without needing special treatment. If someone has it, they should make sure to drink lots of liquids while they have diarrhea to avoid getting too dehydrated. In serious cases or for certain groups like food workers, kids in daycare, and healthcare workers, doctors might use antibiotics to treat the infection or shorten the time they can spread it to others. Sometimes, even for milder cases, doctors might prescribe antibiotics to stop the symptoms from coming back.
How Do I Stop The Spread?
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Wash Your Hands
Campy and other harmful germs cansurvive on your hands. Be sure to washyour hands thoroughly with soap andwater.
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Keep Certain Food Separated
Keep raw poultry away from other foods. Use separate cutting boards and clean them properly.
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Cook Food To The Right Temperature
All poultry & foods containing poultry should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
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Drink Pasteurized Milk
Raw milk can carry Campy and other harmful germs that make you very sick.
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Do Not Drink Untreated Water
It is important to know where your drinking water comes from, if it has been treated to remove harmful germs and is safe to drink.
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Take Care With Pets
Pets sometimes carry Campy and other germs that can make you sick. Practice health habits with your pets.
Other Stomach-Related Illnesses
Salmonella
Salmonella are bacteria that can cause illness, often spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and lasting 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness.
Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhea. It's often called the "stomach flu," but it’s not actually related to influenza. You can catch it by touching contaminated surfaces, consuming contaminated food or water, or being close to someone who’s infected. Symptoms usually start within a day or two after exposure and can include nausea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever or body aches.