Two cases of campylobacteriosis found in Mattawa

Incidents bring total to seven found in county this year alone

MATTAWA — Grant County Health District officials were notified of two cases of campylobacteriosis in Mattawa late last week, bringing the total cases in Grant County to seven just for this year.

The county was notified by the Yakima County Health District after both the individuals from separate families, a woman in her mid- to late 30s and a 10-month-old boy, received care at Sunnyside Community Hospital in Sunnyside.

Hospital officials then reported the cases to the health district in Yakima. As the cases involve families living within Grant County, they were referred to the health district in Ephrata.

Local health district officials made a visit to the woman's home last week, but were unable to contact her. The health district is expected to make another trip to the home this week.

Environmental health director Jerry Campbell said no contact has yet been made with the family of the 10-month-old boy, as there is no phone number or street address available.

Campbell said he believes both individuals are recovered from the campylobacter infection which can result in diarrheal illness lasting anywhere from two to 10 days. Blood or mucous may be present in the stools.

Campbell said both individuals may have contracted campylobacteriosis from ingesting raw milk products such as cheese. He added poultry products are also found to be common sources.

Other sources of infection in Washington include cattle, household pets, rodents, birds, infected individuals and contaminated food or water.

"Right now we don't know why," said GCHD personal health services director Peggy Grigg of why there have been so many incidents of campylobacteriosis in 2006.

To report campylobacteriosis, call the health district at (509) 754-6060.