EEIP RIDRM Yersiniosis
Yersiniosis is an illness caused by a group of bacteria called Yersinia enterocolitica. Yersinia can be found in pigs, rodents, rabbits, sheep and other animals. Pigs are the primary source of infection. Infection can occur by eating undercooked contaminated pork. Infection can also occur when a person handles contaminated food and does not wash their hands before handling children or their toys, bottles, or pacifiers. Symptoms are age dependent, with children becoming infected more often than adults. Infection is more common in the winter.
Actions Required and Control Measures
Reporting Requirements - Category 2
The director of any clinical laboratory must report laboratory evidence of Yersinia, not pestis, to both the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local health department (LHD). Additional laboratory requirements: Isolates of Yersinia, not pestis, must be submitted to the DPH State Public Health Laboratory for confirmation and should include the species. To assure you have the most up-to-date information concerning reportable diseases, please visit the Reporting of Diseases, Emergency Illnesses, Health Conditions, and Laboratory Findings page.
Case Definitions: A confirmed case is defined as isolation of Yersinia from any clinical specimen.
Case Investigation
LHD Responsibility: Using the “General Enteric Diseases Interview Form - Yersinia”, interview case and identify individuals in high-risk occupations or settings (see below). Completed GEDIF forms should be entered directly into CTEDSS or faxed to the DPH at 860-509-7910.
Provide information and educational materials describing the nature of the disease and preventive measures. The importance of frequent and thorough hand hygiene should be stressed for all cases and contacts. Encourage a physician visit if symptoms persist.
DPH Responsibility: DPH is available to the LHD for assistance, consultation, and guidance and to ensure that appropriate investigative and control actions are being taken.
Control Measures
Food Handler: Refer to DPH Food Protection Program at 860-509-7297.
Health Care Worker with Direct Patient Contact: Individuals with laboratory-confirmed infection should be excluded from direct care of patients until they are asymptomatic. Proper hand hygiene should be stressed.
Day Care Setting: Symptomatic children in diapers should be excluded from day care. Improved sanitation and personal hygiene should be emphasized in day care settings. Proper hand hygiene by staff and children should be stressed, especially after using the toilet and/or handling soiled diapers, and prior to preparing or eating food.
Household Contacts: Household contacts with diarrhea should be excluded from food handling and the care of children and/or patients until they are asymptomatic. Proper hand washing should be stressed.
This page last updated 9/16/2019.