Health Officials Warn Of Increasing Campylobacteriosis Cases In McHenry County

McHENRY COUNTY — Authorities are warning McHenry County residents of a spike in campylobacteriosis cases.

The McHenry County Department of Health has identified eight cases of campylobacteriosis between Aug. 17 and Aug. 30, which is four times more cases than the county saw in the previous two weeks. The county identified 3.33 times more cases in August compared to July, but no common source of infection has been found, the department reported last week.

Campylobacter bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial diarrhea in the United States, according to the department. People can become ill with campylobacteriosis by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water or having contact with infected animals.

Most people who develop symptoms from the infection get diarrhea, which may be bloody, the department reported, and those who are ill may also experience cramping, abdominal pain and fever within two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. Nausea and vomiting may occur as well. The illness typically lasts about one week.

“Those who believe they have symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible,” the department said in a news release.

The majority of people with campylobacteriosis will recover on their own, but should drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration, according to the department. Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat severe cases or people at high risk for severe disease.

The best way to prevent a campylobacteriosis infection is to take precautions:

• Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or untreated water from lakes, rivers or ponds.
• Practice good hand hygiene, especially when handling puppies or kittens with diarrhea.
• Wash hands before, during and after preparing food.
• Cook all raw meats to the proper temperature.
• Use soap and hot water to wash cutting boards, counters or utensils used to prepare raw poultry, seafood or meat to prevent cross-contamination.
• Avoid handling food, caring for others, patient care or daycare work if symptomatic.

For more information about campylobacteriosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.