Campylobacter food poisoning symptoms

Campylobacter is a bacterial infection of the digestive tract. Symptoms can begin after contaminated food or water and may include cramping, loose stools, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhoea may sometimes be bloody. These features can resemble other illnesses, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause. More detail about [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/), [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/), or [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) may help you describe what is happening.

The main short-term concern is loss of fluid and salts. People who are very young, older, pregnant, or medically vulnerable can become unwell more quickly.

Sip water or an oral rehydration solution often, especially after each loose stool or episode of vomiting. Take small amounts if nausea makes drinking difficult. Rest, eat simple foods when ready, and avoid preparing meals for other people while symptomatic. Wash hands with soap and water and keep separate towels if possible.

If drinking is not enough to replace losses, a clinician may recommend [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) or [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/).

Seek urgent help for fainting, confusion, very little urine, severe weakness, severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, breathing difficulty, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly if fever persists, vomiting prevents drinking, or symptoms are not settling. Do not use anti-diarrhoeal medicine for bloody diarrhoea without advice.

Ask whether testing is needed, how much fluid replacement is appropriate, whether medicine could worsen symptoms, and how to protect household members from infection.