Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter Gastroenteritis) in Grand Rapids, MI

Campylobacteriosis is a type of gastroenteritis (stomach and intestinal infection) caused by Campylobacter bacteria, most often Campylobacter jejuni. It commonly leads to diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, campylobacteriosis is one of the more frequent bacterial causes of “stomach flu,” especially linked to undercooked chicken, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. Local cases are monitored by the Kent County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

What Is Campylobacteriosis?

Campylobacteriosis is an infection of the gut caused by swallowing Campylobacter bacteria.

  • Who can get it?
    • All age groups can be affected
    • Most common in children under 5 and young adults
    • Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with other health conditions (like diabetes or heart disease) often get more severe illness

Because Grand Rapids has a mix of urban neighborhoods and nearby farms, residents may be exposed through poultry, backyard chickens, farm visits, pets, and private wells.

Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis

When do symptoms start?

Symptoms usually develop 2 to 5 days after being infected, but can appear anywhere from 1 to 10 days after exposure.

Common symptoms

The most common symptoms of campylobacteriosis include:

  • Diarrhea (may contain blood or mucus)
  • Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and feeling generally unwell
  • Sometimes headache, muscle aches, or fatigue

Most people recover within about a week, but some can become very sick and need medical care, especially:

  • Young children
  • Adults over 65
  • Pregnant people
  • Anyone with a weakened immune system (for example, from cancer treatment, HIV, or certain medications)

How Campylobacter Spreads in West Michigan

Campylobacter bacteria are found in the feces (poop) of many animals, including:

  • Farm animals (especially chickens, cattle, pigs)
  • Household pets (dogs, cats)
  • Wild animals and birds

People become infected when they swallow the bacteria, often without realizing it.

Common ways people in Grand Rapids can get Campylobacter

  • Eating undercooked meat, especially chicken
  • Eating food that has been cross-contaminated by raw meat juices (for example, using the same cutting board for raw chicken and salad)
  • Drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk or dairy products
  • Drinking untreated or contaminated water, including some private wells in Kent County
  • Handling infected animals (pets, backyard chickens, livestock) and not washing hands well afterward
  • Person-to-person spread when someone with the infection:
    • Does not wash their hands properly after using the toilet or changing diapers
    • Then prepares food or touches surfaces that others touch

People and animals can carry and spread Campylobacter even if they don’t have symptoms.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

It is very important to see your doctor if:

  • You have diarrhea lasting more than 2–3 days, especially if it is bloody
  • You have severe stomach cramps or a high fever
  • You are unable to keep fluids down or show signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, very little urine)
  • You are pregnant, elderly, or have a weak immune system and develop diarrhea or fever

In Grand Rapids, you can seek care from:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • Local health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health urgent care and emergency departments
  • Community clinics and urgent care centers throughout Kent County

How Campylobacteriosis Is Diagnosed

To confirm campylobacteriosis, your doctor will:

  • Ask about your symptoms, recent foods, travel, and animal contact
  • Arrange a stool (feces/poop) sample for laboratory testing

The lab can detect Campylobacter bacteria in your stool. Positive results are reported to public health authorities, including the Kent County Health Department and MDHHS, to help track and prevent outbreaks.

Treatment of Campylobacteriosis

Most healthy people recover without antibiotics.

Typical treatment includes:

  • Fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration
  • Rest
  • Avoiding anti-diarrheal medicines unless advised by a doctor, as they can sometimes make infection last longer

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if:

  • You are very sick or have high fever
  • You have blood in your stool
  • You are at higher risk for complications (older adult, pregnant, or immunocompromised)

Always follow your provider’s advice and finish any prescribed antibiotics.

Preventing the Spread of Campylobacter in Grand Rapids

Because campylobacteriosis is contagious, it’s important to prevent spreading it to others at home, school, work, and in the community.

Stay home until symptoms stop

  • Children: Keep children home from school, daycare, or preschool until:
    • Diarrhea has stopped for at least 24 hours, and
    • They can use the toilet or have their diapers changed without leaking stool
  • Adults: Do not go back to work until diarrhea and vomiting have stopped.

Special rules for certain workers

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and your job involves:

  • Food handling (restaurants, cafeterias, food manufacturing)
  • Childcare (daycare, preschool, in-home childcare)
  • Healthcare (hospitals, nursing homes, clinics)

You should not return to work until your symptoms have completely resolved and you have followed any additional instructions from your employer, your doctor, or the Kent County Health Department.

Handwashing and Personal Hygiene

Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent campylobacteriosis.

Wash your hands thoroughly:

  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or helping someone use the bathroom
  • Before preparing or eating food
  • After handling raw meat, poultry, or eggs
  • After touching pets, farm animals, or cleaning up animal feces
  • After working in the yard, garden, or sandbox

Use soap and warm running water and scrub for at least 20 seconds, including under fingernails and between fingers. Dry hands with a clean towel or disposable paper towel.

Avoid sharing personal items

  • Do not share towels, washcloths, or face cloths with someone who has diarrhea
  • Use separate towels for each family member and wash them frequently in hot water

Safe Food Storage and Preparation in Grand Rapids Homes

Food safety is especially important in Michigan, where seasonal temperature changes and summer grilling can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Keep food at safe temperatures

To minimize the growth of Campylobacter and other bacteria:

  • Keep cold foods at or below 40°F (4°C)
  • Keep hot foods at or above 140°F (60°C)
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours (within 1 hour if outdoors in hot weather, like during West Michigan summer cookouts)

When reheating foods, make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).

Cook meat and poultry thoroughly

  • Always cook chicken and other poultry until the thickest part reaches at least 165°F (75°C)
  • Use a food thermometer rather than guessing
  • Avoid eating undercooked or “pink” chicken

Prevent cross-contamination

  • Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods
  • Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and for fruits/vegetables
  • Wash knives, cutting boards, tongs, and countertops with hot, soapy water:
    • After preparing raw meat or poultry
    • Before using them for cooked or ready-to-eat foods

Wash fresh produce

  • Rinse raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
  • Scrub firm produce (like potatoes, carrots) with a clean brush

Pet Food and Campylobacter Safety

Research from public health agencies, including MDHHS, has shown that pet food can sometimes be contaminated with bacteria like Campylobacter or Salmonella. This is especially true for raw and dried pet foods, which are increasingly popular in Michigan.

Treat pet food with the same care as human food, plus some extra precautions:

Storing and preparing pet food

  • Freeze raw pet food in clearly labeled containers until you’re ready to use it
  • Defrost pet food in the refrigerator in sealed containers:
    • Use the lower shelves so juices cannot drip onto cooked foods or raw vegetables
  • Avoid preparing pet food on the same surfaces you use for human food when possible

Handling utensils and kitchen items

  • If possible, keep separate utensils for pet food
  • If you must share utensils:
    • Wash them in hot, soapy water immediately after use
    • Clean and disinfect sinks, counters, and any splashed surfaces
  • Keep sponges, dishcloths, and tea towels away from raw pet food and wash them frequently

After feeding and playing with pets

  • Wash your hands before and after handling pet food or feeding your pet
  • Throw away any uneaten pet food, especially raw food, instead of saving it at room temperature
  • If you play with your pet after they eat:
    • Wash your hands after play
    • Try to avoid your pet licking your face and mouth, especially if anyone in the home has a weak immune system or is very young or elderly

Children’s Sandpits and Outdoor Play Areas

In Grand Rapids backyards and parks, sandboxes and play areas can become contaminated with animal feces from cats, dogs, raccoons, or birds. These can carry Campylobacter and other germs.

To reduce risk:

  • Rake the sand regularly and remove any visible animal feces
  • Cover sandpits when not in use to keep animals out
  • Encourage children to:
    • Wash hands with soap and water after playing outside, especially before eating
    • Avoid putting sand, dirt, or unwashed hands in their mouths

Seasonal and Local Considerations in Grand Rapids

Living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan adds a few specific factors:

  • Cold winters:
    • More time indoors and close contact can increase person-to-person spread
    • Make sure indoor kitchens and bathrooms are cleaned regularly
  • Summer grilling and picnics along the Grand River or at Lake Michigan beaches:
    • Higher risk of undercooked chicken and cross-contamination
    • Keep food chilled, cook thoroughly, and don’t reuse plates or utensils that touched raw meat
  • Private wells and rural water sources around Kent County:
    • Have well water tested regularly for bacterial contamination
    • If you suspect contamination, use bottled water or boil water before drinking

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you or your child may have campylobacteriosis:

  • Contact your GP or primary care provider
  • Use local health systems:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) urgent care and emergency departments
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health locations
  • Call the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for:
    • Advice on foodborne illness
    • Reporting suspected outbreaks
    • Guidance for food handlers, childcare workers, and healthcare workers

For urgent concerns like severe dehydration, high fever, or confusion, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

Key Points About Campylobacteriosis in Grand Rapids

  • Symptoms usually develop 2–5 days after infection
  • Infection is more common in children under 5 and young adults
  • Older adults and people with other medical conditions often develop more severe symptoms
  • The most common symptoms are diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever
  • People and animals can carry and spread Campylobacter even without symptoms
  • Good handwashing, safe food handling, and careful pet food and animal contact hygiene are essential to prevent infection in Grand Rapids households and communities