Yersiniosis: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Yersiniosis (say "yer-sin-ee-OH-sus") is a type of food poisoning. It causes problems in your intestines. You can get it from bacteria in raw or undercooked pork. You can also get it from contaminated water or from milk that was not pasteurized.

Yersiniosis can cause diarrhea that may be bloody. It can also cause a fever and belly pain. These symptoms may last 1 to 3 weeks or more. They usually go away on their own.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• To prevent dehydration drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Eat small amounts of mild, low-fat foods. Try foods like rice, dry crackers, bananas, and applesauce. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after your symptoms are gone. Avoid dairy products for 3 days after your symptoms are gone.

To help prevent yersiniosis

• Don't eat raw or undercooked meat, especially pork.
• Use only pasteurized milk and milk products. Check labels for the word "pasteurized."
• When you prepare food, wash your hands often with hot, soapy water. This is very important if you touch raw pork intestines (chitterlings or "chitlins") and other types of raw meat.
• Use one cutting board for raw meat only. Use a different cutting board for other types of food.
• Wash cooking utensils, cutting boards, dishes, and counters with hot, soapy water right after they come into contact with raw meat. Do not put cooked meat back on a plate that had raw meat on it. You must thoroughly wash the plate first.