Campylobacter
WHAT IS A CAMPYLOBACTER INFECTION ?
Campylobacter infection is a type of gastro_enteritis caused by the bacteria Campylobacter. Campylobacter infections can affect anyone, and although more common in children under five years of age and young adults, when the symptoms occur in the elderly and people with debilitating medical conditions they can be very severe.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CAMPYLOBACTER INFECTION ?The most common symptoms are diarrhoea (which may contain blood or mucus), fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. After the bacteria are taken in by mouth, it usually takes between two and five days but can take between one to ten days, before you become ill. To trace the cause of the illness, it is necessary to know where you were and what you ate and drank in the week before you became ill.WHERE ARE CAMPYLOBACTER FOUND ?
Campylobacter bacteria are found in animals such as poultry, birds, cattle and household pets. Puppies and kittens, prior to house training, are a common source of infection.
HOW DOES CAMPYLOBACTER INFECTION SPREAD ?
Campylobacter infection occurs when Campylobacter bacteria are taken in by mouth and it may happen in any of the following ways.
INADEQUATE COOKING
Campylobacter bacteria are often present in uncooked meat, particularly poultry. When the raw meat is prepared for human consumption and is not adequately cooked, the bacteria may survive and infect people who eat it. Unpasteurised milk may sometimes be contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria.
CROSS-CONTAMINATION
Cross_contamination is the spread of bacteria from something that is contaminated with bacteria, to something that is not.
Campylobacter can spread when uncooked foods contaminated with the bacteria cross-contaminate ready_to_eat foods.
Raw foods should always he considered to be contaminated. To avoid cross_contamination, raw foods should always he handled and stored separately from cooked or ready_to_eat foods.
PERSON-TO-PERSON SPREAD
People with Campylobacter infection have Campylobacter bacteria in their faeces. If these people do not wash their hands after going to the toilet, then contaminated hands can spread the bacteria to surfaces and objects which will be touched by other people. Contaminated hands can also spread the bacteria to food which may be eaten by other people. Hands can also become contaminated with bacteria when a person changes the nappy of an infant with Campylobacter infection. People and animals can carry Campylobacter in their faeces without having any symptoms. These people and animals can still pass the disease on to others. Pets, farm animals and contaminated drinking water can also spread Campylobacter bacteria.
I THINK I MAY HAVE CAMPYLOBACTER INFECTION - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you have symptoms of Campylobacter infection, report them to your doctor immediately. This will ensure that you receive proper treatment and advice and that steps are taken to avoid the spread of the disease.
CAN I STILL WORK?
Food handlers, childcare workers and health care workers with Campylobacter infection must not work until symptoms have stopped. Children under 5 must not attend childcare centres, nurseries or school until symptoms have stopped.
HOW CAN I STOP IT SPREADING TO MY FAMILY?
In your household the risk of spreading Campylobacter infection can be reduced. It is very important that people with Campylobacter infection or gastro_enteritis do not prepare or handle food which will be eaten by other people and that no one shares their towel or face flannel. Bathrooms and toilets must be cleaned often, to avoid the spread of bacteria. Pay particular attention to surfaces such as toilet seats and handles, taps and nappy change tables.
HOW CAN I AVOID GETTING CAMPYLOBACTER INFECTION?
By following the guidelines below, everyone can do something to avoid getting Campylobacter infection and other food poisoning infections.
CAREFUL HAND WASHING
Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot running water for at least ten seconds:
-
before starting to prepare food & between handling raw and ready_to_eat foods;
-
before eating,
-
after going to the toilet or changing nappies;
-
after smoking;
-
after using a tissue or handkerchief.,
-
after working in the garden; and
-
after playing with pets.
Food handlers should use disposable paper towels or an air dryer to dry their hands. Cloth towels
are not recommended as they get dirty quickly and can spread germs from one person to another.
SAFE FOOD STORAGE AND HANDLINIG
-
Do not handle cooked foods with the same implements (tongs, knives, cutting boards), used on raw foods, unless they have been thoroughly washed between uses.
-
Keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment clean.
-
Defrost food by placing it on the lower shelves of a refrigerator or use a microwave oven.
-
Thoroughly cook all raw foods.
-
Place cooked food in a refrigerator within an hour of cooking it.
-
Refrigerate raw foods below cooked or ready_to_eat foods to prevent cross_contamination.
-
Ensure that hot foods are kept hot (above 63C) and that cold foods are kept cold (below 5C).
-
Thoroughly wash raw vegetables before eating.
-
Reheat food until the internal temperature of the food reaches at least 72C.
-
Protect food from insects, rodents and other animals.
NOTE FOR MICROWAVE OVEN USERS
Part of the microwave cooking process, includes standing time. When using a microwave, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and observe these standing times to ensure the food is completely cooked before it is eaten.
FURTHER INFORMATION
This page gives general information.
If you require further details, please contact :
Kennet District Council Environmental Health Tel : 01380 724911
Wiltshire Health Protection Agency Tel : 01380 732599
Your GP