Yersinia enterocolitica (Yersiniosis), non-pestis
About This Disease
Yersiniosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Yersinia. Most human illness is caused by one species, Yersinia enterocolitica. Infection with Y. enterocolitica can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the age of the person infected. Infection occurs most often in young children.
Information on this page focuses on Yersinia enterocolitica, which causes yersiniosis. To learn about Yersinia pestis and the disease it causes, visit our page on Yersinia pesitis or the CDC page by clicking here
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms in children are fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which is often bloody. In older children and adults, right-sided abdominal pain and fever may be the predominant symptoms, and may be confused with appendicitis. In a small portion of cases, complications such as skin rash, joint pains, or spread of bacteria to the bloodstream can occur. Symptoms usually start 4 to 7 days after infection with the bacteria.
Transmission
You can get yersiniosis by eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork. Drinking milk or water contaminated with wastes from infected persons, farm animals, or household pets (especially sick puppies and kittens) can also cause illness. Person-to-person spread is rare.
An infected person is contagious for at least as long as the symptoms last. Some people with yersiniosis continue to be infectious for weeks or months, even after the diarrhea has ended.
Diagnosis
Other bacteria and viruses can cause similar illness. Your doctor can order tests to detect Yersinia bacteria in stool.
Treatment
Most persons get well on their own without antibiotic treatment. Severe infections and infections in young children with diarrhea can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
Risk in Hawaii
Yersinia enterocolitica is present throughout the United States, though it is not as commonly reported as other foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella. Infection occurs most often in young children.
Prevention
- Do not eat raw or under-cooked pork.
- Eat and drink only pasteurized dairy products.
- Wash hands with soap and water before eating and preparing food, after contact with animals, and after using the toilet.
- Keep food that will be eaten raw, such as vegetables, from becoming contaminated by animal products. After handling raw meat, do not lick your fingers, touch other foods, or smoke a cigarette without washing your hands first.
- Wash cutting boards thoroughly after contact with each food, so that the boards do not contaminate the next food prepared.
- Dispose of dog and cat wastes promptly in a sanitary manner.
- Protect water supplies from animal and human feces.
Information for Clinicians
Yersiniosis is a ROUTINE notifiable condition. Routine reports may be used.
Disease Reporting Phone Numbers (24/7)
Oahu (Disease Investigation Branch): (808) 586-4586
Maui District Health Office: (808) 984-8213
Kauai District Health Office: (808) 241-3563
Big Island District Health Office (Hilo): (808) 933-0912
Big Island District Health Office (Kona): (808) 322-4877
After hours on Oahu (808): 600-3625
After hours on neighbor islands: (800) 360-2575 (toll free)
For more information: Clinical Overview of Yersiniosis (CDC)
Last Reviewed: June 2024