Campylobacter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campylobacter |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Campylobacter jejuni | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Proteobacteria |
| Class: | Epsilonproteobacteria |
| Order: | Campylobacterales |
| Family: | Campylobacteraceae |
| Genus: | Campylobacter Sebald & Véron, 1963 |
| Species | |
|
C. avium |
|
Campylobacter is a type of bacteria. These tiny living things are found in the intestines of many animals. Campylobacter is a very common cause of diarrhea and food poisoning. These bacteria are shaped like a spiral. They move around using tiny whip-like tails called flagella.
Contents
What is Campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis is an infection that happens when Campylobacter bacteria get into your gastrointestinal tract (your stomach and intestines). This infection can make your intestines swell up. It often causes diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, fever, and pain.
How Do People Get Sick?
Campylobacteriosis is more common during the warmer summer months. It also seems to affect more males than females. People usually get sick by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
Some common ways to get infected include:
- Eating raw meat
- Eating poultry (like chicken or turkey) that isn't cooked enough
- Drinking raw dairy products, like unpasteurized milk
In January 2013, the UK's Food Standards Agency shared an important warning. They found that about two-thirds of all raw chicken sold in UK shops had Campylobacter bacteria. This type of food poisoning affects around half a million people each year in the UK. Sadly, it causes about 100 deaths annually.
Staying Safe from Campylobacter
To avoid getting sick from Campylobacter, it's important to follow good food safety rules. Always cook meat and poultry thoroughly. Make sure there are no pink parts left, especially in chicken. Wash your hands well with soap and water after touching raw meat. Also, use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods. This helps stop the bacteria from spreading.
See also
In Spanish: Campylobacter para niños
