Japan: Food Poisoning Strikes 26 at Inn – Suspected Culprit: Campylobacter

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Japan: Food Poisoning Strikes 26 at Inn – Suspected Culprit: Campylobacter

Japan: Food Poisoning Strikes 26 at Inn – Suspected Culprit: Campylobacter

In October 2023, a case of group food poisoning, with symptoms including diarrhea and fever, affected 26 people who stayed at an inn in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, on the same day.

The cause is believed to be the bacteria “Campylobacter,” which is commonly found in the intestines of chickens and cows.

The food poisoning outbreak occurred at an inn in Tofuji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where 26 individuals, aged 2 to 87, who stayed and dined on October 21, 2023, reported symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Japan: Food Poisoning Strikes 26 at Inn – Suspected Culprit: Campylobacter

According to Shizuoka Prefecture, no one required hospitalization, and all individuals are reported to be on the path to recovery.

Furthermore, “Campylobacter,” a bacterium found in the intestines of chickens and cows, was detected in the feces of 9 out of the 26 individuals. The prefecture suspects that this bacterium is the cause of the outbreak.

Campylobacter is often detected when undercooked chicken is consumed, but there is no confirmation that such food was served in the meals of the 26 individuals.

Therefore, the prefecture is investigating the possibility that the cause of Campylobacter detection is related to the handling of raw chicken and similar items in the inn’s kitchen, possibly due to insufficient cleaning of utensils before using them for other preparations.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, the prefecture has issued an order to cease operations in the inn’s cooking department until the cause is identified and the hygiene conditions of the kitchen are confirmed. This order is effective starting on November 2, 2023.

What’s Campylobacter?

Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses in humans. These bacteria are often found in the intestines of animals, particularly poultry (such as chickens and turkeys), as well as cattle and other livestock. Campylobacter infections are a common cause of gastroenteritis, which is characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting.

Campylobacteriosis is typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated food, particularly undercooked poultry and unpasteurized milk, or through cross-contamination in the kitchen. Handling raw poultry and not properly washing hands, utensils, or surfaces that come into contact with the bacteria can lead to its transmission.

In most cases, Campylobacter infections are not life-threatening and can be managed with supportive care. However, severe cases may require medical treatment, especially in vulnerable populations like the very young, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. It’s important to practice proper food safety measures, such as cooking poultry thoroughly and maintaining good hygiene in the kitchen, to reduce the risk of Campylobacter infections.