Has your little one had a stomach ache like this? Let's talk about Campylobacter!

Have you ever heard of this disease called Campylobacter? Maybe your little one or someone in your family has had a stomach ache and the doctor has mentioned this name. It is actually quite common, especially among young children. So let's talk about this in detail and very simply today, shall we? I am sure that after reading this, you will have a good understanding of this.

What is this Campylobacter?

Simply put, Campylobacter is a type of bacteria . It is a tiny germ. It makes us sick when it enters our bodies. To be precise, it causes stomach upset, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Not only that, you can also get a fever and a stomach ache. But there is nothing to worry about, most people get better after about a week of rest and fluids.

How is this disease transmitted? Very important!

Now, the main reason for the spread of this disease is that we consume food or drink contaminated with the feces of animals that have this bacteria . Think about it, there are several ways that this can happen:

• Eating undercooked chicken or turkey: This is more likely to happen if you eat things like raw chicken that isn't cooked properly, as these animals can harbor this bacteria.
• Using cutting boards and knives that were used to prepare other foods: Imagine if you cut a salad on the same cutting board and knife that you used to cut chicken... that's where the germs from that meat can get into the salad. It's important to remember that even the smallest piece of meat can spread this .
• Drinking raw milk that has not been pasteurized: Some people like to drink raw milk. But if the milk has not been properly cleaned, that is, if it has not been pasteurized, it can also spread this disease.
• Eating vegetables and fruits that have not been washed properly: Vegetables and fruits may also have these germs on the outside. Therefore, there is a risk if you eat them without washing them properly.

Very important: All utensils used in food preparation, including cutting boards, knives, and even the counter, should be thoroughly washed after handling raw meat and fish.

There are other ways this can be transmitted. Imagine, if you touch a hand that has feces containing this bacteria, and then that hand goes into your mouth, it can also be transmitted. For example:

• Bathing or drinking dirty water: Sometimes, these germs can be found in things like water from streams and rivers, and in well water that has not been properly treated.
• Touching an infected pet or farm animal: Pets like dogs and cats can also get it. We can also get it if we don't wash our hands properly after touching them.

The risk of Campylobacter infection spreading from person to person is relatively low. However, there is a risk of infection if you come into close contact with the feces of an infected person (for example, when changing a small child's diaper).

What are the symptoms of this? (Signs & Symptoms)

A child with a Campylobacter infection may show symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea: This is the main symptom. Sometimes there may even be blood in the stool . This is a more serious sign.
• Fever: You can get a fever if your body gets too hot.
• Stomach pain/cramping: Stomach pain and a feeling of being sick are common.

Most of the time, this is all that's left. However, very rarely , this infection can lead to other serious conditions. These include:

• Having seizures.
• Bacteria entering the blood (this is called bacteremia).
• Joint pain (arthritis).
• Other medical problems.

These things happen very rarely, but it's good to know.

How to accurately diagnose the disease? (Diagnosis)

Okay, so now your child has diarrhea, especially if it's accompanied by blood, how does a doctor know for sure that it's Campylobacter?

• The most important thing is to do a stool test . This can accurately detect the presence of Campylobacter bacteria in the stool.
• Sometimes, the doctor may also do blood tests , especially to check for conditions like bacteremia, which I mentioned earlier.

How to treat?

Okay, what do you do if you get sick now? Most of the time, this doesn't require a lot of medication.

• The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids . That means water, soup, and porridge. Because diarrhea causes a lot of water to be lost from the body, which can lead to dehydration . That's not good.
• It's also very important to get plenty of rest. You should avoid overexerting your body.
• Do not give anti-diarrhea medicines . Sometimes they can make diarrhea worse. It is not a good idea to give such medicines without consulting a doctor.

However, there are some cases where doctors decide to prescribe antibiotics . Such cases include:

• For very young children (babies).
• Children with a weak immune system.
• If the diarrhea is very severe, or has been present for several days.

Therefore, it is wise to see a doctor and seek advice rather than self-medicate.

How to avoid this? (Prevention)

It's like the saying "Prevention is better than cure." Being safe is the best thing to do. There are a few things we can do to protect ourselves from Campylobacter infections:

• Cook meats like chicken and beef well: To kill bacteria, they need to be cooked to a good temperature. Cook until no longer pink inside and cooked through .
• Wash everything that has touched raw meat or fish thoroughly: cutting boards, knives, utensils, and even the counter with soap and hot water. Even the smallest drop of raw meat juices can spread disease.
• Check if dairy products are pasteurized: Check if the words ``Pasteurized`` are mentioned on milk and yogurt you buy from the store.
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for the whole family: This is very important. Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before preparing food, before eating, and after touching animals.

Remember: Campylobacter bacteria can be found in food and water, so be aware of these things:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Drink only water that is certified clean (especially when traveling abroad, in developing countries).
• When hiking/camping in the forest, do not drink water directly from streams.

Also, if someone in your household has diarrhea, you should wash your hands frequently while caring for them. Especially before touching other people and before preparing or eating food. Don't forget to clean the toilet thoroughly after the person with diarrhea has used it. Also, if your pet dog or cat has diarrhea, wash your hands frequently, and consult a veterinarian about treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

If your child has any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor:

• If there is blood in the stool.
• If diarrhea lasts more than a week.
• If vomiting continues.
• If you are showing signs of dehydration: This means that you urinate less often, your mouth is dry, you have very few or no tears when you cry, and your eyes appear sunken.
• If the stomach pain has just started, or if the existing pain is getting worse.
• If you have a high fever.
• If there is joint pain.

You know your child best. If you notice any other signs that make you suspicious or worried, don't delay in talking to a doctor.

Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)

Campylobacter is a bacteria that causes stomach upset. The best way to avoid it is to take care of cleanliness and prepare food properly . It is especially important to handle raw meat and fish carefully, and to wash your hands thoroughly. If you get sick, give plenty of fluids and rest . If the symptoms are severe, or if you have any doubts, be sure to seek medical advice . Let's all take care of the health of our little ones!

` Campylobacter, diarrhea, stomach ache, bacteria, food safety, child health, dehydration