Yersiniosis

Yersiniosis is an infection caused by a group of bacteria called Yersinia. These bacteria are found worldwide, including in New Brunswick. They live in the intestines of infected people and animals. The bacteria cause gastrointestinal illness and are passed in the feces. These bacteria are one of the most common causes of diarrhea. 

Diagnosis of infection is based on assessment of clinical symptoms by a health-care provider and laboratory testing of a tool sample.

Symptoms usually appear within three to seven days after a person becomes infected with the bacteria. Most people who become ill have abdominal pain and fever. However, children and some adults may also have bloody diarrhea. In some people serious illness can develop.

Yersinia bacteria are passed in the feces from infected people and animals. The bacteria can be found in soil, food, water or on surfaces contaminated with feces. The bacteria are spread by animal-person contact, by eating contaminated food or by drinking contaminated water; it is less common by person-to-person contact. Most cases are associated with improperly handling or eating raw or undercooked pork and other meats. Yersinia infection can also be spread by contact of cooked foods with raw pork or meats on unwashed cutting boards or knives. 

Some examples of how the bacteria can be spread: 

• eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork products 
• ingesting contaminated drinking or recreational water
• putting something in your mouth that has come into contact with the droppings of infected animals or stool of infected humans
• children putting their hand in their mouth after playing with infected puppies and kittens
• drinking unpasteurized milk or milk products

Anyone exposed to the bacteria can become infected. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing more serious disease. Most people will recover without specific treatment.

People with diarrhea should drink a lot of liquids to avoid dehydration, stay home when ill and practice good personal hygiene like hand washing. Avoid preparing food for others while you have symptoms and for 48 hours after you recover. Consult your health-care provider for advice and treatment if you have bloody or severe diarrhea; prescription medicines can be used.

Health-care providers and laboratories are required to confidentially report cases to Public Health. Public Health staff may investigate to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people who may be at risk of infection, implement control measures and provide advice as necessary, including exclusion of infected workers in high-risk occupations like persons involved in food handling, direct patient care and care of the young or the elderly.

Use good environmental management. Flush or discard any stool in the toilet and clean surrounding area using hot water and detergent. A chlorine-based disinfectant is recommended.

Practice good personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing a diaper, after handling animals or contact with animal feces, after handling raw pork and before preparing or eating food.

Take food safety precautions. Wash or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating. Thoroughly cook all meat. Prevent contact of cooked foods with raw meat. Drink and eat only pasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt).

Drink properly treated water. Avoid swallowing recreational water from swimming pools and hot tubs. Do not drink untreated surface water from lakes or streams. Test private well drinking water regularly (once or twice per year).

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.