Campylobacter
Victim of Food Poisoning? Find Out if You Have a Case
Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that, when ingested, can lead to an infectious disease known as campylobacteriosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 2.4 million people are affected by Campylobacter food poisoning each year.
How Does Campylobacter Spread?
Campylobacter exists on most uncooked poultry, beef, pork, and unpasteurized dairy products. Most cases of campylobacteriosis are caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, or from eating other foods that have been contaminated. Contaminated water or unpasteurized milk can also cause Campylobacter food poisoning.
Proper cooking techniques can eliminate the bacteria from uncooked foods. Learn more about food safety tips to help prevent food poisoning.
What Are the Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis?
If ingested, symptoms of Campylobacter poisoning usually appear within 2-5 days and include:
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
People infected with campylobacter will typically recover in 2-10 days without any specific treatment; however, people with more severe cases of food poisoning may need antibiotics to recover. In rare cases, patients may have long-term medical complications, including arthritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome – a rare disease that affects the nervous system. According to the CDC, about 124 people with Campylobacter infections die annually.
After Being Sickened by Campylobacter?
If you suspect you may have campylobacteriosis, seek medical attention immediately.
Whether you're at the emergency room or see your primary care doctor, request a stool culture to confirm the presence of Campylobacter. Without documented medical proof, it may be difficult for you to receive compensation for your medical bills or missed work time.
It's also important to gather as much evidence as you can from the contaminated product or menu item you believe caused your illness. If you're able to, save the packaging of the contaminated food, place it in a plastic bag, and put it in your refrigerator so it can be tested later for Campylobacter. Also, save the receipt from the store you purchased the tainted food and the UPC label from the product itself. It's always a good idea to keep receipts from restaurants as well, to protect your rights if you're ever sickened with food poisoning from eating contaminated food.
Finally, contact your local health department and share any important information you have about your Campylobacter illness. While Campylobacter outbreaks are rare, you can help prevent other people from being sickened if there is one.
Get a Free Legal Consultation Today for Your Food Poisoning Claim
Contaminated foods that lead to illness can leave you sick for days, and can sometimes even require you to be hospitalized. This means lost wages and hospital bills. At Edgar Snyder & Associates we understand the pain, frustration, and financial toll a case of food poisoning can have on you.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a foodborne illness, you need a legal team with the experience and resources necessary to successfully pursue a food poisoning case. There are many factors that go into a food poisoning case, so you should never go it alone.
Call us toll-free at 412-394-1000 or fill out the form at the top of this page for a free legal consultation of your food poisoning claim. Evidence disappears quickly – especially with food poisoning cases – so don't wait. Contact us any time of the week, day or night.