Blaby District Council

Summary

Campylobacter is a germ that causes stomach pain, diarrhoea (which may have blood in it) and sometimes sickness.

Further information

How can I catch it?

• By eating food which is contaminated with the campylobacter germ, especially under-cooked meat and poultry and unpasteurised (green top) milk.
• From milk which has been contaminated by birds pecking through the top.
• From pet dogs and cats (especially puppies and kittens) which have the illness.
• From poor hygiene in food preparation which allows cooked food to be contaminated by the campylobacter germ.
• From someone who is suffering from the illness (although this is rare).

How does it cause illness?

Once the germs have been swallowed they multiply in the gut. Symptoms usually start 2 - 5 days later but may take up to 11 days to develop.

How can I avoid it?

• Cook meat and poultry thoroughly until the juices run clear and the middle of the thickest part reaches 75ºC.
• Do not allow raw meat or poultry to come into contact with cooked foods (ensure that work surfaces and equipment are disinfected thoroughly after preparing meat and poultry).
• Do not drink unpasteurised (green top) milk.
• Do not drink milk from bottles which have been pecked by birds.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with animals.

How long does the illness last and is there any treatment?

Your body should be able to fight the germs naturally, although this may take several weeks.

Antibiotics are not usually needed.

Whilst you have diarrhoea, drink plenty of fluids.

Is there anything I should do whilst I am ill?

• Wash hands with soap in warm running water and dry thoroughly, especially before preparing food and after using the toilet.
• Avoid preparing food for other people.
• Do not share towels and flannels
• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, door handles and taps frequently with a hot soapy water and disinfectant solution.
• Soiled clothes and bedding should be washed on their own in the washing machine on the hottest cycle.

Will I need to stay off work/school?

You must stay away from work or school until at least 48 hours after your first normal stool.

If your work involves handling food, nursing or working with the young, sick or elderly, you must tell your employer.

Contact us

Officer / Team	Commercial Environmental Health Team
Postal address	Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP
E-mail address	env.health@blaby.gov.uk
Telephone	0116 272 7555
Fax	0116 272 7594

If you need this information in other languages or formats (large print, Braille or audio), please let us know when you contact us.

This page was last updated on 3rd September 2009