Yersinia Enterocolitica Bacteria

This microorganism is destroyed by heat, but can grow in a wide temperature range (32° to 106°F (0° to 41°C)). The ability of this bacteria to grow at refrigerator temperatures makes it all the more hazardous. Milk, poultry, and swine are some of the current reported sources of this microorganism.

Yersiniosis infection commonly occurs in children, resulting in gastrointestinal upset, fever, and appendicitis-like symptoms. In one outbreak, 36 children were hospitalized with apparent acute appendicitis and several underwent appendectomies before health officials determined that they had been infected with Yersinia enterocolitica by drinking contaminated chocolate milk. Yersiniosis infection can occasionally also cause septicemia, meningitis, and arthritis-like symptoms.