On December 2, 2015, the Warren County Health Department announced that they were investigating an outbreak of Campylobacter associated with private high school. About 30 students have been sickened at the Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey. The illnesses began to be reported in mid-November. Around 80% of the 460 students of the Academy live at the school. However, there is little risk for person to person transmission. After students began to show gastrointestinal symptoms, health officials sent samples to a lab. These samples tested positive for Campylobacter bacteria.
Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in the United States, causing an estimated 1.3 million cases of illness each year. Infection usually occurs after consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms appear between 2 and 5 days after infection, and will include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and vomiting. The illness will generally last between 2 and 10 days, and most people recover on their own. However, in some cases the illness may worsen or linger, making medical attention necessary.
If you or a loved one suspects you are infected with campylobacter as a result of consuming food at the Blair Academy, seek medical attention immediately. Even if your condition is not life-threatening, blood and stool samples may be necessary to establish the source of your illness. Contact the food poisoning lawyers at the Merman Law Firm for competent, compassionate representation. Our team of campylobacter lawyers are here to help.
