Campylobacter in Ashland Wisconsin
Ashland County health officials suspect an outbreak of Campylobacter that may be related to an unpasteurized dairy product. One person has been confirmed with Campylobacter, and 12 others have reported symptoms consistent with Campylobacter poisoning.
Health officials are conducting interviews and collecting food samples and stool samples to determine the scope and source of the outbreak. Although county officials are not revealing specifics on the suspected source of the outbreak, they have indicated that an unpasteurized milk or dairy product may be involved.
Ashland County health officials are encouraging anyone with symptoms consistent with Campylobacter who has recently consumed unpasteurized milk or dairy products to contact their health care provider for diagnosis and confirmation of the illness. If you have symptoms of Campylobacter and have unpasteurized products, the health department has indicated that it would be interested in testing the product.
Campylobacter symptoms occur from 1 to 10 days after infection. The first symptoms to appear are muscle pain, headache and fever. These symptoms are followed by watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea.
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. Guillain-Barrč attacks the body's nerves, causing paralysis and sometimes death.
Source of Information:
The Daily Press (Wisconsin)