| Campylobacter
and Drinking Water from Private Wells
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What is campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis (CAMP-eh-loe-back-tear-ee-O-sis) is an infectious
disease caused by the bacteria Campylobacter.� There are
different species of Campylobacter, and Campylobacter jejuni
is the species that causes most human illness.� It is also the
most common bacterial cause of diarrheal illness in the United States.�
Campylobacteriosis affects about 2 million people (1% of the population)
every year.
How can I become infected with
campylobacteriosis?
Most people get sick from
handling or eating poultry meat that is raw or not cooked enough.� One way
this could happen is through cross-contamination.� For example, if you cut
poultry meat on a cutting board and then use the unwashed board or utensil
to cut vegetables served raw, the bacteria from the raw meat on the board
and utensils can easily spread to the vegetables.� Large outbreaks of campylobacteriosis
are often related to drinking unpasteurized milk or contaminated water.
You can
also get sick from coming in contact with the infected feces of a
sick animal.� While the germ is not usually spread from person to
person, an infected person having severe diarrhea can spread the germs
to you through contact.
Where and how does Campylobacter get into drinking
water?
Campylobacter is
found in every part of the United States and throughout the world.� Millions
of germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected person or
animal.� Campylobacter may be found in water sources such as private
wells that have been contaminated with feces from infected people or animals.�
Human or animal waste can enter the water in many different ways (i.e.,
sewage overflows, polluted storm water runoff, and agricultural runoff).�
Campylobacteriosis occurs much more often in the summer than in the winter.�
What are the symptoms
of campylobacteriosis?
The most common symptoms
of campylobacteriosis include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Stomach pain
- Fever
These symptoms begin in
2 to 5 days after exposure to the germ, and the illness usually lasts a
week.� The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.�
Some persons who are infected with Campylobacter will have no symptoms
at all.� In persons with weak immune systems, Campylobacter sometimes
spreads to the blood and causes a serious life-threatening infection.
What should I do if I
think I have campylobacteriosis?
See your health care provider
to discuss your concerns.
How is a campylobacteriosis
infection diagnosed?
Laboratory tests can be
used to determine if Campylobacter is making you sick.� However,
these tests are sometimes not done unless the laboratory is instructed specifically
to look for the germ.
What is the treatment for campylobacteriosis?
Almost everyone infected with Campylobacter
will recover without any specific treatment.� Infected persons should drink
a lot of fluids as long as the diarrhea lasts.� In more serious cases, antibiotics
may shorten the length of symptoms if they are given early.� Your health
care provider can tell you whether antibiotics are necessary.
How do I remove Campylobacter from my drinking water?
Heating water at a full boil for 1 minute (3 minutes if you
live in a high altitude) will kill Campylobacter.� Boiled water should
be stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.� Currently,
there is no filter certified to remove the germ from water, and the issue
is being studied.
You may also disinfect your well; contact your local health
department for recommended procedures.� Remember to have your well water
tested periodically after disinfection to make sure the problem does not
recur.
Revised Summer 2003
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