Campylobacter
Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in Australia. You can’t see it, smell it or even taste it on food, but if it affects you, you won’t forget it.
What is Campylobacter?
Campylobacter is a little known foodborne bacteria similar to Salmonella.
In some cases Campylobacter can also lead to irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis and in rare cases Guillain-Barré syndrome—a type of paralysis.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can be affected by Campylobacter, but certain people are at a greater risk for severe illness including :
- young children (under 5 years)
- older adults (over 60 years)
- people with weakened immunity.
What are the symptoms of Campylobacter?
Campylobacter infections cause gastroenteritis (commonly known as gastro). Symptoms include:
- diarrhoea
- abdominal pains
- cramping
- fever.
Symptoms usually start two to five days after infection, and can last for one to three weeks. If symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, it is recommended you seek medical attention.
What foods have a high risk of Campylobacter contamination?
Most cases of Campylobacter infection are associated with eating raw or undercooked chicken and other poultry or by cross contamination.
How can food be prepared safely?
Cross contamination is the transfer of harmful bacteria such as Campylobacter to food from other food products, hands, surfaces or utensils that are contaminated. It is important to keep raw poultry and their juices away from any already cooked or ready-to-eat foods and fresh produce.
Read more about how to safely handle and prepare raw chicken and other poultry to prevent Campylobacter infection.
Report a suspected case of food poisoning
If you have a concern about a food product or a food business, you can use our online form to make a food safety complaint. If you would like to speak directly with the agency responsible for monitoring and enforcing food laws, see roles and responsibilities.
More information
- Queensland Health - Health conditions directory
- For health advice:
- contact your local doctor or nearest public health clinic
- call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)