Public health officials in Kansas have linked an outbreak of campylobacter infections to a restaurant.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department announced that the outbreak is associated with the Trade Winds Bar and Grill in Garnett, KS, in Anderson County. The town is about 70 miles southwest of the Kansas City metro area.
The health departments are asking anyone who ate at the restaurant between July 14 and Aug. 9 and who later experienced symptoms of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting to complete an online survey.
The survey is anonymous and will help health officials confirm the source and scope of the outbreak.
Health officials say the cause of such infections is usually traced back to the consumption of raw or undercooked poultry or poultry that has not been held at the proper temperature or by food that was contaminated by such items.
Additional information about the outbreak and help for those who would like to complete a phone-based version of the survey can call 785-448-6559 for residents in Anderson County or 877-427-7317 for those living outside of Anderson County.
The health departments did not report the number of sick people. Still, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are usually more sick people than are reported in campylobacter outbreaks because many people do not seek medical attention.
Many people recover in a week, but Campylobacter infection can result in long-term consequences, such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
About campylobacter infections
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outbreaks have been associated with unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water, poultry, and produce. People also can become infected from contact with dog or cat feces. Person-to-person spread of Campylobacter is uncommon.
Azithromycin and fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, are commonly used for treatment, but resistance to fluoroquinolones is common.
Campylobacter infection symptoms usually begin two to five days after exposure and are characterized by diarrhea (frequently bloody), abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. More severe illnesses can occur, including bloodstream infection and symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis or ulcerative colitis.
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