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What is it?

Yersinia enterocolitica is an infectious bacterium that is most frequently found in pigs, but can also be harbored in rodents, dogs, horses, cattle, cats, and humans. It causes foodborne illness that is typically resolved on its own without antibiotic treatment.

How is it spread?

A person typically contracts it by ingesting raw or insufficiently cooked pork and other meats, contaminated water, and unpasteurized milk or contact with infected animals and people.

Typical Symptoms

Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, fever, joint pain, skin rash (sometimes), and cramping resembling appendicitis (it is sometimes called pseudo appendicitis).

Most at risk

Young children get this the most, followed by pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons, but given the right conditions, anyone can suffer this illness.

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