A Common Illness

Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhea in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of campylobacteriosis, the illness caused by the bacterium, are diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Most cases of this illness have been linked to raw poultry or eating undercooked poultry meat. To prevent campylobacteriosis, cook poultry thoroughly, and wash your hands, utensils and cutting surfaces after handling raw poultry.