2003 Reportable Communicable Disease Summary

Yersiniosis

Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection characterized by (sometimes bloody) diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The main reservoir for Yersinia is the pig. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route through contaminated food and water, and infected people or animals. Preventive measures include cooking food thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination with raw food of animal origin, and washing hands after handling food.

The incidence of yersiniosis in Oregon has been fairly stable over the years. In 2003, the number of cases dropped to 5, the lowest incidence since 1995. Yersiniosis occurs throughout the year with no seasonality. By far the most common species is Y. enterocolitica, and all cases in 2003 were caused by this species.