subject: Signs, Symptoms and the Campylobacter Holiday Illness Claim [print this page] Signs, Symptoms and the Campylobacter Holiday Illness Claim
Campylobacter holiday illness spoilts hjolidays.
People travelling abroad may contract a range of illnesses that ruin their holiday experience! Campylobacter is one such disease that holidaymakers can become ill with while they are on a package holiday.
What are the symptoms?
The bacteria Campylobacter is responsible for the infectious disease. The illness is characterised by the following symptoms: diarrhoea, which is often bloody, severe abdominal cramping, nausea, headaches, muscle pains, fever and vomiting. Illness can strike within 2-5 days of exposure and the symptoms can last between a week and ten days.
How is the infection caused?
The infection is normally contracted through either the incorrect handling of raw poultry or the consumption of raw or improperly cooked poultry at holiday hotels. Other sources of the infection among people also include consumption of un-pasteurised milk, contaminated water or undercooked meats. Infection cases are usually single or sporadic episodes at holiday hotels.
How is the infection diagnosed and treated?
A stool sample is necessary for the diagnosis of Campylobacter which should be sought from doctor at the hotel or back in the UK. If you have contracted the infection then it is likely that you will make a full recovery. It is important to keep hydrated for as long as the diarrhoea symptoms persist. Antibiotics may be administered in the more severe cases.
Can complications occur?
Campylobacter food poisoning can in some cases be fatal. Most sufferers will fully recover within a week. However, the infection can cause further complications such as arthritis and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, a serious disorder that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system causing temporary paralysis.
How can the infection be prevented?
Campylobacter infection can be prevented or the risk minimised by following these simple steps.
1) Ensure that all poultry and meat is cooked to the correct temperature before eating it.
2) Follow good hand hygiene practices and ensure hands are clean.
3) Clean all kitchen utensils that have been used in the preparation of raw meat.
What can you do if campylobacter is diagnosed?
Adhere to your GP's advice, stay hydrated and contact a specialist travel lawyer if you have been on a regulated package holiday.
