- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Yersiniosis
May also be called: Yersinia Enterocolitis
Yersiniosis (say: yer-sin-ee-o-sis) is a relatively uncommon infection that people can get by eating undercooked meat products (especially pork) or by drinking unpasteurized milk or contaminated water.
More to Know
Yersiniosis is caused by bacteria that can infect the digestive tracts of humans, cats, dogs, pigs, cattle, and goats. People can get yersiniosis by eating or handling contaminated foods or drinking untreated water or unpasteurized milk that contain the bacteria. Infants can sometimes get yersiniosis if a parent or caretaker handles contaminated food and then doesn't clean up properly before handling the baby's toys, bottles, or pacifiers.
Symptoms of yersiniosis usually appear 4–7 days after exposure to the bacteria and can last up to 3 weeks. Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Sometimes, older kids can also get pain in the lower right side of the abdomen that may seem like appendicitis. Anyone can get yersiniosis, but it is most common in young children.
Keep in Mind
Usually, people with yersiniosis recover within a few days without medical treatment. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic medications to treat the infection. Most yersiniosis cases can be prevented by following rules for safe food handling, drinking only treated water and pasteurized milk, and washing hands frequently with soap and water.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
- Yersiniosis
- E. Coli Infections: Diarrhea
- Campylobacter Infections
- Listeria Infections
- Salmonella Infections
- Food Safety
- Shigella Infections (Shigellosis)
- Diarrhea
- Hand Washing: Why It's So Important
- Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.