About Campylobacter infection

Key points

• Campylobacter bacteria are a common cause of diarrheal illness. The illness is called campylobacteriosis.
• People most commonly get Campylobacter infection by eating raw or undercooked poultry.
• Eating other contaminated foods, drinking untreated water, and touching animals that carry Campylobacter can also cause infection.

Overview

Campylobacter are bacteria that can make people ill with diarrhea. The illness is called campylobacteriosis.

Fast facts

• Many Campylobacter infections are not diagnosed or reported.
• Most infections are not part of recognized outbreaks.
• Infections are more common in summer than in winter.

Illnesses linked to Campylobacter in the United States

1.5 million

Campylobacter cause the most bacterial diarrheal illnesses. CDC estimates that nearly 1.9 million people in the United States get ill from Campylobacter every year.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include diarrhea, fever, and cramps. Most people fully recover within 7 days.

Keep ReadingSymptoms of Campylobacter Infection

People at risk

Anyone can get Campylobacter infection. But some groups of people are at increased risk for infection or serious illness. These groups include

• Children younger than 5
• Adults 65 and older
• People with a weakened immune system
• People who work with animals
• International travelers

How it spreads

People can get infected in many ways.

It takes very few Campylobacter to make someone sick. For example, a single drop of juice from raw chicken can contain enough Campylobacter to cause an infection.

Common ways people get infected include:

• Eating raw or undercooked poultry or other foods, including seafood, meat, and produce
• Preparing raw or lightly cooked foods, including salad and fruits, with knives or on cutting boards that were used with raw poultry, seafood, or meat
• Touching animals or their food, water, poop, belongings (such as toys and bowls), or habitats (such as beds, cages, tanks, coops, stalls, and barns)
• Drinking untreated water

Campylobacter can spread from animals to people.

Campylobacter can live in the intestines, liver, and other organs of animals, including pets. Many animals can carry Campylobacter without becoming sick. If the Campylobacter spreads from the animal, it can make people sick.

Causes of past outbreaks

Outbreaks of Campylobacter infection among people have been linked to many sources, including

• Poultry
• Raw (unpasteurized) milk and dairy products
• Seafood
• Untreated water
• Produce
• Pet store puppies

Prevention

You can help protect yourself and others from Campylobacter infection:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Be careful when preparing raw meat.
• Drink treated water and pasteurized milk.
• Be mindful when playing with or taking care of pets.

Keep ReadingPreventing Campylobacter Infection

Diagnosis

Campylobacter infection is diagnosed by a laboratory test, which provides information your healthcare provider can use to make treatment decisions.

Keep ReadingDiagnosis of Campylobacter Infection

Treatment

Most people with Campylobacter infection get better without using antibiotics. People with diarrhea should drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration.

On This Page

• Overview
• Symptoms
• People at risk
• How it spreads
• Prevention
• Diagnosis
• Treatment

Aug. 12, 2026

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National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)About This Page

Published: May 15, 2024

Updated: August 12, 2026This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: August 12, 2026The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.

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