Yersiniosis

Overview

How can I get sick? 

• Eating food such as raw or undercooked* meat, especially pork, that has the bacteria.  
• Drinking milk products that have the bacteria such as raw (straight from the animal) milk.  
• Drinking unfiltered* water that has the bacteria in it.  
• Touching an animal that has the bacteria or touching their poop.  
• The bacteria can also be found in soil and in root vegetables (carrots, onions, or potatoes).  

Symptoms in humans:  

• Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal) 

• Stomach pain 
• Diarrhea (runny poop)  
• Pain on right side 

What can I do to stay healthy? 

• Do not eat raw or undercooked* meat. Cook meat to the recommended internal temperature.  

• Do not eat raw milk or milk products (cheese, ice cream, yogurt).  
• Always wash your hands after touching or playing with animals (pets, cattle, sheep, pigs, etc.). Wash your hands before and after cooking or touching food.  
• Wash hands after touching, harvesting or field dressing* animals in the wild such as boar or wild pigs.   
  • Proper Handwashing – Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to scrub your thumbs, between your fingers and the tops and bottoms of your hands. Dry your hands with a paper towel.  

• Clean your pets living area such as your backyard at least once a week or daily. ALWAYS wash your hands after cleaning animal poop or touching animals.  

*Definitions: 

• Harvesting an animal: The process of removing an animal to be used for meat or fur.
• Undercooked: Cooking food less than the recommended time or temperature.
• Unfiltered: Raw water, nothing has been done to purify or clean it.