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Campylobacteriosis

Learn about Campylobacter bacteria, one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness.

Campylobacter symptoms, spread, and sources

People with Campylobacter infection usually have diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and abdominal cramps. Nausea and vomiting might also occur. Symptoms usually start within 2 to 5 days after exposure and last about a week. Some infected people do not have any symptoms.

Although most people with Campylobacter infection recover on their own, some need medical treatment. It doesn't typically spread from one person to another.

You can get Campylobacter from eating raw or undercooked poultry, or eating something that touched raw or undercooked poultry. 

Other potential sources of Campylobacter include:

  • seafood
  • meat
  • produce
  • drinking untreated water
  • contact with animals
  • drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk

Learn more about Campylobacter from the CDC

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