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A couple of months ago, hubby came down with what seemed to be a bug, he was off work for three days, Wednesday to Friday and rather unwell. Saturday morning, my daughter became unwell, her bug lasted for about ten days, and on the third day she was passing 
blood. I rushed her to the doctor having no idea what was happening to my girl. All these words were thrown around, cysts, food poisoning, tear in the rectum etc etc.. I had to take her stools for testing and three days later she was given a result of Campylobacter. On the next wed my son took ill with the same bug. When i was given this result i didn't want to know anything other than how to fix the problem. So when he fell ill i demanded to know what was wrong. Here's the info that my doctor told me....
What is Campylobacter?
Campylobacter is one of many types of bowel infections, There are many strains. This particular organism has many forms of bacteria.This means you can catch it more than once, but always at a different strength. Never the same strength. My kids had it at a high dose of it.
How do you catch Campylobacter?
Campylobacter is often caught by handling uncooked chicken, and other uncooked meat. Also eating uncooked or undercooked meat. You can catch it by handling puppies and kittens. Campylobacter is more commonly passed through from human to human though. This is why is it EXTREMELY important to wash hand regularly especially in handling meat!
People who work with animals both dead and alive ones are at great risk to catching this bug.
The Symptoms?
The symptoms range and vary depending on the strength of the bacteria. Symptoms start anywhere from 1-10 days of infection but generally 2-5 days. Symptoms include Fever to start with, Diarrhea, and cramping in the tummy area. Often people who have Campylobacter pass blood. Vomiting is NOT common in the campylobacter bug but isnt non existent either. `
Diagnosis?
Is determined by stool samples.
The cure?
Generally doctors will let it ride out its course, and give you fluid replacement drinks or powders to prevent Dehydration, as in severe cases, most people get dehydrated. Sometimes the doctor will think its necessary to kill the bug via antibiotics.
In New Zealand if you catch this bug its always reported to the Ministry of Health,
Prevention?
Always make sure to wash hands thoroughly, cook all meat thoroughly, Its always best to try stay away from people while you have this bug. The bug can live in your faeces for up to 7 weeks. Always use anti -bacterial soap, hot water, and don't prepare food.
This bug is awful, and frightening, especially when you see your kids going through it and passing blood. ALWAYS be checked by a doctor!
this information was told to me by my doctor.
(December 2007) (
