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# Basics about Campylobacter
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/campylobacter_0501110824/
- Published: 2011-05-01T09:24:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:17:13.000Z
- Description: Campylobacter is among the most common US causes of food poisoning, usually in isolated cases rather than outbreaks. It comes from raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk and contaminated water. Symptoms start in 2-5 days and last 2-10; fluids and rest are the main treatment.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Biological, Food Safety, #vivvo-import

*Campylobacter* is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. The vast majority of cases occur as isolated events, not as part of recognized outbreaks.

| **Sources**             | Raw and undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, contaminated water.                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Incubation**Period**    | 2-5 days                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| **Symptoms**            | Diarrhea, cramps, fever, and vomiting; diarrhea may be bloody.                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| **Duration of Illness** | 2-10 days                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| What Do I Do?           | Drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you cannot drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration or if your symptoms are severe, call your doctor. In more severe cases, certain antibiotics can be used and can shorten the duration of symptoms if given early in the illness. |

### *General Information*

[*Campylobacter*](http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease%5Flisting/campylobacter%5Fgi.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) (CDC)  
General information on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and more.

[*Campylobacter* Questions and Answers](http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact%5FSheets/Campylobacter%5FQuestions%5Fand%5FAnswers/index.asp?ref=foodconsumer.org) (USDA)  
General information on symptoms, complications, trends, prevention, and more.

[*Campylobacter jejuni*](http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/FoodborneIllnessFoodbornePathogensNaturalToxins/BadBugBook/ucm070024.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) (FDA)  
From the [Bad Bug Book](http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/FoodborneIllnessFoodbornePathogensNaturalToxins/BadBugBook/default.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org); provides basic facts, including associated foods, frequency of disease, complications, and target populations.