2005 - Yersiniosis

Table 1. Yersiniosis Cases by Race and Sex, Indiana, 2005

  2005 2001-2005
Cases Rate* Cases
Total 6 0.10 39
   White 3 0.05 22
   Black 0 0 6
   Other 0 0 2
   Not Reported 3 - 9
   Male 1 0.03 18
   Female 5 0.16 21
   Not Reported 0 - 0


Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection that usually affects the intestinal tract. The infection is typically acquired by eating contaminated food such as raw or undercooked pork. Pigs are the main reservoir for the bacteria, but other animals including rodents, sheep, cattle, horses, and dogs can also cause human illness. Fecal waste from animals can contaminate water, milk, and foods and become a source of infection for people or other animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

In 2005, there were 6 cases of yersiniosis reported in Indiana, for a rate of less than
1 case per 100,000 population (Table 1). Figure 1 shows reported cases by year for
2001-2005. Incidence of disease was greatest during April and October but can occur at any time (Figure 2). Figure 3 shows age-specific rates were greatest for infants less than 1 year of age (1.16), followed by preschoolers aged 1-4 years (0.58).

Six Indiana counties reported yersiniosis cases in 2005. However, no county had five or more reported cases. There were no outbreaks of yersiniosis reported in Indiana in 2005.

You can learn more about yersiniosis by visiting the following website: