Yersiniosis

1,495 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~2,871.

What is it?

Yersiniosis is caused by Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria and is a significant but underrecognized foodborne illness. NYS had 1,495 cases in 2024. Yersiniosis is notable for causing right-sided abdominal pain that can closely mimic appendicitis — a condition called pseudoappendicitis — leading to unnecessary surgeries if not identified.

How it spreads

Primarily through undercooked pork (especially pork chitterlings/intestines), raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. Can spread from person-to-person through the fecal-oral route. Handling raw chitterlings is a significant risk, especially for infants whose caregivers prepare this food.

Symptoms

Fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (often on the right side) appearing 4–7 days after exposure and lasting 1–3 weeks. Older children and adults may develop pseudoappendicitis with severe right lower abdominal pain without diarrhea.

Who is at risk?

Young children are most commonly affected. Infants can be infected through contact with caregivers who handle raw chitterlings. Iron-overload conditions (hemochromatosis) significantly increase the risk of severe systemic infection.

What you can do

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.