Last Reviewed: November 2011

What is yersiniosis?


Is it a new disease?


Who gets it?


How is yersiniosis spread?

Yersinia bacteria are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contact with an infected person or animal.

What are the symptoms?

Infected people may experience mild or severe diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Sometimes Yersinia infection may mimic appendicitis.

How soon do symptoms appear?

Symptoms generally appear three to seven days after exposure.

Where are Yersinia found?

Animals are the main source of Yersinia. Fecal wastes from animals (particularly pigs) may contaminate water, milk and foods and become a source of infection for people or other animals. The germ has been found in pork chitterlings, raw milk, lakes and streams, ice cream, improperly pasteurized chocolate milk, tofu, shellfish and wild and domestic animals.

How long can an infected person carry Yersinia?


How is yersiniosis treated?


How can yersiniosis be prevented?

Avoid drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk and improperly treated surface water. Use appropriate precautions when handling meat products to avoid cross contamination from raw foods to cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Thoroughly wash food contact surfaces and hands before and after food preparation.