About this topic
Yersiniosis is an infection of the bowels and belly. Pigs may have this germ. So can rabbits, rodents, cats, or dogs. Sheep or horses may also have this germ. ‚
The signs of yersiniosis may start 3 to 7 days after you come in contact with the germ. The signs may last for 1 to 3 weeks. The infection often goes away without treatment. For very bad cases, the doctor may need to give drugs to help you feel better. ‚
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What are the causes?
This infection is caused by the Yersinia germ. There are 3 kinds of Yersinia that can cause this illness: ‚
- Yersinia enterolitica ¢ ˆ ’ Most common
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ¢ ˆ ’ Causes signs like Y. enterolitica
- Yersinia pestis ¢ ˆ ’ Causes plague
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Eating undercooked pork is the most common way to get this infection. Foods contaminated with the stool of animals may also have Yersinia.
- Drinking milk from infected animals
- Touching raw meat that is infected with Yersinia
What are the main signs?
- Loose stools that may be bloody
- Belly pain
- Throwing up
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Joint pain
- Fluid loss
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may ask you about any places you have traveled lately. The doctor will listen to and feel your belly. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Stool sample
- Blood exam
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Sometimes, you may feel better on your own. Other times, your doctor will need to give you drugs to help you get well. You may need to take a special kind of fluid to help you replace the water you are losing from throwing up and loose stools. Take sips of this throughout the day. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Liver problems
- Low red blood cells
- Heart infection
- Kidney problems
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Keep your fever down
- Ease pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be careful when eating.
- Do not eat unprocessed or raw animal products. This includes raw meats, milk, or unprocessed cheeses.
- Choose foods that are freshly cooked and served very hot.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits. Be careful when eating salads as the produce may have been washed with tap water.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are peeled or cooked.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F (60 ‚ °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Follow good hygiene habits.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
- After using the bathroom or changing diapers
- Before eating
- Before cooking
- After working in dirt
- After touching your pet or other animals
- Make sure that you throw away animal birth products, stool, or other wastes the right way.
- Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen: Use separate cutting boards for meat and other foods. Carefully clean all cutting boards, countertops, and tools with soap and hot water after preparing raw meat.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Rare-Infections-Yersinia-Enterocolitica-and-Yersinia-Pseudotuberculosis.aspx ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/yersinia/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/yersinia.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚