Campylobacter in California Prisons
Over 1,300 inmates in 10 California prisons have become ill in the past week. Campylobacter has been confirmed at Tracy's Deuel Vocational Institution and Ione's Mule Creek State Prison. Campylobacter is a foodborne pathogen that causes flu-like symptoms and can cause serious illness in victims with a weakened immune system.
Campylobacter has not been confirmed at the other affected prisons, Valley State Prison for Women; Central California Women's Facility; Wasco State Prison; Folsom State Prison; California Rehabilitation Center; Sierra Conservation Center; California State Prison, Sacramento; and California Rehabilitation Center. Health officials are investigating the outbreaks and have not yet found a source.
Campylobacter is the name of a genus of a spiral-shaped bacteria found primarily in the intestines of birds--especially poultry--and other animals. Many birds can carry these bacteria without becoming ill, and it is estimated that nearly half of all chicken meat in the U.S. has some Campylobacter on it. Untreated water can also carry Campylobacter due to contamination from infected animal or human feces.
The most common risk of infection from Campylobacter bacteria is severe dehydration. If you or someone in your family has a Campylobacter infection, make sure the infected individual drinks plenty of fluids. If it is not possible to remain properly hydrated, hospitalization may be necessary.
Other risks of Campylobacter, all very rare, may include meningitis, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, urinary tract infections, short-term reactive arthritis, or inflammation of the gall bladder. Studies have shown that in some rare cases, a Campylobacter infection may lead to Guillain-Barrč Syndrome. In this illness, the infection attacks the body's nerves, causing paralysis and sometimes death.