Yersinia enterocolitica is a rod shaped bacterium that can cause illness in humans. The main reservoir for Yersinia enterocolitica is pigs. Infection with Yersinia enterocolitica occurs mostly in young children. The most common symptoms in children include fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that is often bloody. Symptoms develop within 4 to 7 days after exposure. The illness resolves within 1 to 3 weeks but may last longer. Uncomplicated Yersinia enterocolitica infections resolve without antibiotic treatment, however more severe cases do require antibiotics. Most Yersinia enterocolitica infections are acquired after consuming contaminated food such as raw or undercooked pork products. These infections have also been linked to drinking contaminated unpasteurized milk or untreated water. Some important ways to prevent Yersinia enterocolitica infections are to avoid eating raw or undercooked pork products, to consume only pasteurized milk or milk products, and to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing and eating food, especially chitterlings.

Table 1: Yersinia enterocolitica in Maryland residents 1998-2002

Graph1: Yersinia enterocolitica in Maryland residents- 5-year trend

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Emerging Infections Program
201 W. Preston St., 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6234
Fax: 410-725-4825
Email: MDEIP@dhmh.state.md.us