DISEASES AND CONDITIONS

Understanding Yersiniosis

By Semko, Laura 
 | 
March 21, 2017

Understanding Yersiniosis

Yersiniosis is a foodborne illness. It causes inflammation in the small intestine and colon.  It is more common in children.

How to say it

yuhr-sin-ee-O-sis

What causes yersiniosis?

Yersiniosis is caused by Yersinia bacteria. You can get it if you consume food or water contaminated with the bacteria. Foods and water can become contaminated by the feces of infected animals. The most common food sources include:

  • Raw or undercooked pork

  • Milk and other dairy products

  • Raw vegetables, such as lettuce or carrots

You can also get yersiniosis if you have close contact with infected animals, such as pigs or rodents. The disease is rarely spread from person to person. Safely handling of and preparing foods such as pork can prevent it. Always use good handwashing techniques and keep utensils and cutting surfaces clean with soap and water.

What are the symptoms of yersiniosis?

The symptoms of yersiniosis often take a few days to a week to appear after an infection. They are often mild. But they can last 2 to 3 weeks. Sometimes people have symptoms lasting up to 1 year. They may include:

  • Fever

  • Diarrhea, which may sometimes be bloody

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Pain in the lower right side, which may be confused with appendicitis

  • Sore throat

  • Rash

  • Headache

  • Joint and muscle pain

Yersiniosis may also cause problems with the heart, eyes, liver, and kidneys. This is more likely to happen in people with a weak immune system.

How is yersiniosis treated?

There is no vaccine to prevent yersiniosis. But most people get better within a couple weeks. Treatments include:

  • Rest. You may feel better faster if you get plenty of rest.

  • Fluids. Drinking lots of fluids will help you stay hydrated. Don’t drink alcohol or beverages with caffeine.

  • Medicine.  Antibiotics can destroy the bacteria. But they are usually used only in severe cases.

What are the complications of yersiniosis?

Most complications from yersiniosis are rare. They may include:

  • Painful red lumps under the skin (erythema nodosum)

  • Arthritis

  • Stomach and digestive problems

  • Blood poisoning

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed

  • Pain that gets worse

  • Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse

  • New symptoms

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

Gage KL, et al. Plague and Other Yersinia Infections. In: Goldman L, et al, editors. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25 ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2016. p. 1984-90., Saari KM, et al. Yersiniosis. In: Tindall R, et al, editors. Roy and Fraunfelder's Current Ocular Therapy. 6 ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2008. p. 96-8., Tauxe RV. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Yersinia infections. Up To Date. January 29 ed: Up To Date; 2016. p. 10., Tauxe RV. Epidemiology of yersiniosis. Up To Date. September 11 ed: Up To Date; 2015. p. 8., Tauxe RV. Treatment and prevention of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection. Up To Date. July 14 ed: Up To Date; 2015. p. 2.

Reviewed By:  

Hanrahan, John, MD,Lentnek, Arnold, MD, FACP