Campylobacter
child; diarrhoea; gastro; campylobacter; gastroenteritis; infectious diseases. ;
Contents
Campylobacter is the most common bacterial infection that causes abdominal (tummy) pain and diarrhoea (runny poo) in Australia and many other developed countries. (Most diarrhoea is caused by viruses, such as rota virus.) It usually affects young children and young adults but can affect people of any age. Most cases of illness caused by campylobacter come from eating or handling food which has the campylobacter germs in it, especially raw chicken.
What is campylobacter?
- Campylobacter is a bacterium (germ) which causes diarrhoea in humans, and some animals such as cows, dogs and cats.
- Birds (including chickens) can have the germ without becoming ill, and it can easily spread among birds that drink from the same water supply, eg trough, river or lake, or through contact with bird droppings.
For more information have a look at the topic 'Campylobacter infections' on the site of the Department of Health (South Australia)
How does it spread?
- Eating food with the bacteria in it is the most common way the infection is spread.
- Raw or undercooked chicken often has campylobacter in it.
- The infection can also be caught from water which has the germs in it, unpasteurised milk (if the cow is infected) or ill household pets (especially puppies and kittens).
- It usually does not spread from person to person, but it can do this while the person has diarrhoea. This is most likely to happen if a young child has the illness.
How long does it take to develop?
Generally it takes 2 to 5 days after exposure before the person becomes ill.
Signs and symptoms of campylobacter infections
- Some people with campylobacter do not have any symptoms, but others can become quite ill with tummy pain and diarrhoea (which can have blood in it), fever, nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting.
- The illness usually lasts about a week, but it can last longer and be more severe in people who do not have a strong immune system (young children, elderly people and people who are sick for some other reason such as having HIV/AIDS).
What you can do
- Almost all people who get campylobacter get better without any special treatment.
- Any child under 12 months who has diarrhoea, or any older child who is unwell, vomiting or refusing food should be seen by a doctor.
- Keep children (and adults) who have diarrhoea away from other children (they need to be kept away from child care for example).
- For ideas about how to manage the diarrhoea see 'Gastroenteritis'.
- If the illness is very severe, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Preventing spread of campylobacter
- Careful food handling processes should be followed, including always keeping raw meat separate from foods which will not be cooked. See 'Food safety' for more ideas.
- Cook chicken very well. Make sure that the meat is cooked right through (no pink meat and the juices should be clear).
- Good hygiene, including thorough hand washing with soap and water is needed, especially when changing nappies and caring for young children.
- If the water supply is not known to be safe, water should be boiled.
- Make sure you use pasteurised milk.
- If family pets are unwell, have them checked by your vet, and take special care when clearing up vomit or diarrhoea poo from the pet. Keep sick animals away from young children.
References
Department of Health, Public and Environmental Health (South Australia) 'Campylobacter infections'
Center for Disease Control USA, 'Campylobacter'
World Health Organisation fact sheet 'Campylobacter'
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs255/en/index.html
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.