COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says they have seen an increase in the number of positive cases of illness related to campylobacter which is a bacterium that is typically caused by under cooking or improper handling of raw meat.
Director of Enviromental Health Services Paul Andriacchi says “With warmer temperatures and the summer grilling and meat smoking season upon us, residents are encouraged to practice safe cooking techniques.”
Campylobacter infection can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Nausea and vomiting can also be experienced. The symptoms will usually start two to five days after eating the contaminated food and may last about one week. Contact your provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw meat, poultry and seafood.
Keep your work surfaces, counters, cutting boards, and utensils clean with hot soapy water before and after cooking.
Clean the grill grates using a moist cloth or paper towel. When using the grill brush, check the grill surface for any bristles that may have fallen off.
When you buy meat, poultry and seafood at the store, make sure you keep them separate from other food items in your shopping cart. Put them in their own individual plastic bags and/or grocery bags.
Once at home, store the meat in a way that does not allow juices to leak onto other items in your refrigerator.
More information can be found at Community Health Agency’s web site which is www.bhsj.org.
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