Reporting & Investigation of Campylobacter

Table of Contents

A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting

To identify transmission sources of major public health concern (e.g., a restaurant or commercially distributed food product) and to stop transmission from such sources.

To identify whether the case may be a source of infection for other persons (e.g., a diapered child, child care attendee or food handler) and, if so, to prevent further transmission.

B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report. The preferred reporting method is through the Iowa Disease Surveillance System (IDSS). The reporting phone number for IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) is (800) 362-2736; fax number (515) 281-5698, mailing address:

Iow Department of Public Health, CADE
Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Postage-paid disease reporting forms are available free of charge from the IDPH clearinghouse. Call (319) 398-5133 or visit the website: healthclrhouse.drugfreeinfo.org/cart.php?target=category&category_id=295 to request a supply.

Laboratory Testing Services Available

The University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) will test stool specimens for the presence of Campylobacter and will confirm and speciate isolates sent from clinical specimens at other laboratories. Additionally, SHL requests that all laboratories submit all organisms isolated during an outbreak for possible strain typing to aid in the public health surveillance necessary for this illness. Call the SHL (319) 335-4500 for more information, or visit: www.shl.uiowa.edu/

The SHL will test implicated food items from a cluster or outbreak.  Specimens are submitted through local public health departments.

C. Local Public Health Agency (LPHA) Follow-Up Responsibilities

Case Investigation

  • Individual cases: no routine follow-up required
  • Multiple cases/possible outbreak: If the number of reported cases of campylobacteriosis in a city/town is higher than usual, or if an outbreak is suspected, an investigation is warranted to determine the source of infection and mode of transmission. A common vehicle, such as water or food, should be sought and applicable preventive or control measures should be instituted (e.g., removing an implicated food item from the environment). Consult with an epidemiologist at IDPH or contact your regional epidemiologist if an outbreak is suspected. CADE can help determine a course of action to prevent further cases and can perform surveillance for cases that may cross several county lines and therefore be difficult to identify at a local level.
  • If a food or water source is suspect, follow-up may include involvement of a representative of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau who is involved in enforcement of the Iowa Food Code.
  • Institution of disease control measures is an integral part of case investigation. It is the LPHA responsibility to understand, and, if necessary, institute the control guidelines listed in the Controlling Spread tab.