Yersiniosis Fact Sheet

What is yersiniosis?

• Yersiniosis is an infection caused by bacteria found in the intestines of infected animals and humans.
• The bacteria can multiply under refrigeration and low oxygen conditions.

How is yersiniosis spread?

You can become infected by ingesting the bacteria:

• Eating or drinking contaminated food or water that has been improperly prepared or cooked.
• Raw pork and pork products are known sources of infection.
• Not washing your hands properly after handling or petting infected birds and animals.

What are the symptoms of yersiniosis?

• Symptoms usually last two to three weeks, and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, malaise, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. 
• Complications include post-infectious arthritis and systemic infections.

When do symptoms of yersiniosis start?

• It takes approximately three to seven days, generally less than ten days before you start to show signs of illness after consuming the bacteria.

How long is yersinosis contagious?

• Person to person transmission appears to be rare.
• Passing the bacteria in poop will continue while symptoms persist, usually for two to three weeks. If untreated, people may shed for two to three months.

How is yersiniosis treated?

• Treatment is under the discretion of the Healthcare Provider. Antibiotics can be used in some cases.

How is yersiniosis prevented?

• Handle and prepare foods properly by washing and sanitizing cutting boards and utensils after contact with raw meat, fruits and vegetables and ready to eat foods.
• Cook all your meat thoroughly.
  • ground beef and pork: 71^oC
  • whole poultry: 82^oC
  • poultry pieces: 74^oC
• Avoid having your raw meats come in contact with your other food.
• Keep cold foods at 4^oC or lower.
• Keep hot foods at 60^oC or higher.
• Consume only pasteurized milk and milk products.
• Only drink water from a safe source.
• Do not prepare food for others if you are ill.
• Wash your hands properly before and after handling raw food, handling animals, using the bathroom and diapering.

Where can I get more information about yersiniosis?

Contact the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Program at 705-474-1400, or toll-free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 or email us at cdc@healthunit.ca.

References:

• Heymann, David L. (2022). Control of Communicable Diseases Manual. 21^st edition. Washington, DC. pp. 719-722.
• Ministry of Health, Infectious Diseases Protocol, Appendix 1: Yersiniosis (2022).

Last updated: Aug 2026, by CDC