Yersinia Enterocolitica

Yersinia Enterocolitica and Animals

The major animal reservoir for Yersinia enterocolitica strains that cause human illness is pigs. Other animals that the bacteria can be found in include:

 

How Are the Bacteria Transmitted?

The preparation of raw pork intestines (called chitterlings) may be particularly risky. Infants can be infected if their caretakers handle raw chitterlings and then do not adequately clean their hands before handling the infant or the infant's toys, bottles, or pacifiers. Drinking contaminated, unpasteurized milk or untreated water can also cause yersiniosis.

 

Occasionally, transmission occurs after contact with infected animals. On rare occasions, Yersinia enterocolitica infection is a result of the bacterium passing from the stools or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person. This may happen when basic hygiene and handwashing habits are inadequate. In rare cases, infection occurs through a blood transfusion that contains contaminated blood.

 

Incubation Period for Yersinia Enterocolitica

When a person becomes infected with Yersinia enterocolitica, the bacteria begin to multiply. After four to seven days, symptoms can begin. The period between becoming infected and the start of symptoms is called the incubation period.

 

Symptoms of Infection

Yersinia enterocolitica symptoms can vary, depending on the age of the person infected.

  Yersinia enterocolitica infections occur most often in young children. Common symptoms include:

 

Symptoms in children may last one to three weeks or longer.