Campylobacter Bacteria| Michigan Food Poisoning Lawyer

Daniel Buckfire

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The Michigan food poisoning lawyers at our firm frequently handle cases involving clients who have contracted Campylobacter food poisoning. These cases usually involve people who have become ill after undercooked chicken, usually at a restaurant. Even though most cases involved restaurants, Campylobacter food poisoning can also occur when schools or day-care centers served undercooked food or when individuals cooking in their own homes do not cook foods, especially chicken, all the way.

Campylobacter Food Poisoning Causes

Campylobacter food poisoning is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni. An infection is more likely when:

• Undercooked or improperly prepared food has been consumed, especially raw or undercooked poultry, fresh produce, or unpasteurized milk
• Family members or friends have recently been infected
• There has been recent travel in an unsanitary area

Common Symptoms of Campylobacter Food Poisoning include:

• Diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea
• Cramps and abdominal pain
• Fever

There is usually an incubation period of 2 – 4 days after infection has occurred but before the symptoms appear. Symptoms generally last about one week.

Although most people recover in about one week and do not require medical treatment, there are several complications that could make an individual case of Campylobacter food poisoning more severe. Most importantly, anyone suffering from diarrhea can quickly become dehydrated, which can be a very serious health threat especially for young children, the elderly, and people who have recently been sick. Anyone suffering from Campylobacter food poisoning should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

In addition, immunosuppressed people who are infected may become more vulnerable to other infections, such as meningitis, sepsis, endocarditis, and thrombophlebitis. Some patients may develop a form of arthritis. A very small percentage of people may become temporarily or, even more rarely, permanently paralized from Campylobacter food poisoning. Because of this, anyone who may be suffering from Campylobacter food poisoning should seek medical attention.

Reporting your illness, either through ReportFoodPoisoning.com, or directly to your health department, allows your health department to identify outbreaks and prevent others from becoming sick. Persons suffering illness from food poisoning can also pursue their legal rights against the restauarant or seller of food.