Yersinia
What is Yersinia?
Yersinia is a bacteria that causes an infection of the bowel. It is commonly caught from eating contaminated or poorly handled food. Other sources are infected household pets and farm animals - especially pigs. Untreated water or an infected person who handles food can also spread Yersinia bacteria.
What are the symptoms?
Around 3 - 7 days after contact with the bacteria flu-like symptoms develop. Diarrhoea then develops, with severe abdominal pain. Nausea, vomiting and fever often occur. Yersinia infection usually lasts for 2 or 3 days, but can last for up to 3 weeks. Sometimes joint pains can develop. In a few people these are severe and disabling.
How is it treated?
Usually extra fluid and rest are advised. However, a doctor should always be consulted and may recommend antibiotic treatment in selected cases.
How is it spread?
People become infected when they swallow the bacteria. This can happen:
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When handling food, especially undercooked pork or other meat, smallgoods or unpasteurised milk
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When drinking from an unchlorinated water supply (eg tank or bore water)
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From contact with domestic or farm animals (including birds)
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From contact with infected people, including children and babies.
How to prevent it?
Wash hands carefully:
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After going to the toilet or changing nappies
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Before handling food
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After touching uncooked poultry or meat
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After playing or working with domestic animals or pets.
Look after food carefully:
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Thaw frozen meat completely
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Cook meat and poultry thoroughly
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Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods in the refrigerator.
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Store raw foods underneath cooked foods to prevent contamination
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Clean knives, cutting boards and other surfaces after contact with raw meat and poultry.
Remember:
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Wash your hands:
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After going to the toilet
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After playing or working with animals
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Before handling food
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After touching raw meat or chicken
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After contact with animal manure
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Always prepare food carefully
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Don't handle food if you have diarrhoea - it may spread
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Don't donate blood within 3 months of suffering from Yersinia as it can be transmitted through blood transfusions
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Don’t work in close contact with infants, the very elderly or very ill people until diarrhoea has completely stopped.
Resources
For a printable version of this Yersinia information, click here.
For more information contact a Health Protection Officer at Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service, free phone 0800 221 555.
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