Yersinia gastroenteritis
The symptoms and management of yersiniosis infection (food poisoning).
Yersiniosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by a type of bacteria called Yersinia. The most common Yersinia species causing disease in humans is Yersinia enterocolitica which can cause a range of symptoms including watery diarrhoea, sometimes with blood in stool, severe stomach pain, fever and vomiting.
Symptoms begin 4 to 7 days after acquiring the bacterium. Most people with Yersinia infection recover quickly (within 1 to 3 weeks), often without any treatment. Rarely, Yersinia can cause more severe illness with symptoms lasting up to 8 weeks and require appropriate antibiotics for treatment.
It is important to seek medical attention if your symptoms are not settling, you are concerned about your health or have underlying conditions which reduce your immunity. The infection can be confirmed by undertaking stool and blood tests. Further information on management of gastroenteritis at home can be found on the NHS.UK.
Yersinia bacteria are usually acquired by eating or drinking contaminated food, including undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk products or contaminated water. The bacteria can also spread via person-to-person or direct contact with infected animals.
If you have Yersinia in your faeces (poo), stay off nursery, school or work until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. You should also avoid handling and preparing food and providing personal care for others until symptom free for at least 48 hours.
If anyone you live with also has symptoms of Yersinia, such as diarrhoea, but has not yet been tested, they should also stay away from nursery, school or work and similarly avoid handling and preparing food and providing personal care for others until symptom free for at least 48 hours.
To help avoid spreading an infection:
- wash your hands with soap and water frequently
- wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash
- clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day