--- title: What is Campylobacter? date: 2026-07-05T09:52:00-07:00 author: Bill Marler canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/what-is-campylobacter" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / [Firm News](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/firm-news) / # What is Campylobacter? ***Campylobacter*** *Campylobacter* is one of the most common causes of bacterial diarrhea in the country, and in a small but serious share of cases it triggers [Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)](https://about-guillain-barre.com/), a form of paralysis that can follow the infection by weeks. [Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm](https://marlerclark.com/), is the nation’s leading firm representing victims of [*Campylobacter*](https://about-campylobacter.com/) outbreaks. Our [*Campylobacter* lawyers](https://marlerclark.com/food-litigation/campylobacter-outbreak-litigation) have represented thousands of victims in the only U.S. law practice devoted exclusively to foodborne illness, which has recovered more than $850 million for victims and families nationwide. We have traced [*Campylobacter*](https://about-campylobacter.com/) outbreaks to chicken, raw milk, and municipal water. If you or a family member became ill with a [*Campylobacter*](https://about-campylobacter.com/) infection—including [Guillain-Barré syndrome](https://about-guillain-barre.com/)—after eating contaminated food, contact the Marler Clark [*Campylobacter*](https://about-campylobacter.com/) attorneys for a free case evaluation. **FAQ** **What is *Campylobacter*?** *Campylobacter* is one of the most common causes of bacterial diarrhea in the United States. Most infections come from raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water. In a small share of cases it can trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious form of temporary paralysis. **What foods cause *Campylobacter* infections?** Raw or undercooked chicken is the leading source, along with raw (unpasteurized) milk and untreated water. Cross-contamination in the kitchen is a common route. **What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?** Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own nerves, causing weakness or paralysis. It can follow a *Campylobacter* infection by one to three weeks and sometimes requires hospitalization and long rehabilitation. **How long do symptoms last?** Diarrhea, cramping, and fever usually begin two to five days after exposure and last about a week, though complications such as GBS or reactive arthritis can last far longer. **Can I sue for a *Campylobacter* infection?** If raw milk or a contaminated food caused your illness—especially if it led to GBS—you may have a claim against the producer or seller. **Additional Resources:** - • [About *Campylobacter*](https://about-campylobacter.com/) — a complete online resource on *Campylobacter* infection - • [About Guillain-Barré Syndrome](https://about-guillain-barre.com/) — information on the paralysis that can follow a *Campylobacter* infection ### Other Campylobacter Lawsuits [First Lawsuit Filed in Campylobacter Outbreak at Wild Ginger](https://marlerclark.com/campylobacter-landing-page-template) [Campylobacter Outbreak Traced to Organic Pastures Raw Milk Cream](https://marlerclark.com/campylobacter-outbreak-traced-to-organic-pastures-raw-milk) [Your Family Cow Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/your-family-cow-raw-milk-is-source-of-campylobacter-outbreak) [N. 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The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ Get a free consultation ](https://marlerclark.com/contact) ##### Related Resources ###### [Campylobacter Food Poisoning](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/campylobacter/about-campylobacter) What is Campylobacter? Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that is among the most common causes of bacterial diarrheal illness in humans worldwide. The name means “curved rod,” derived from... ###### [The Incidence of Campylobacter Infections](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/campylobacter/campylobacter-incidence) How common is Campylobacter infection? Campylobacter species represent one of the most common causes of bacterial diarrheal illness worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)... ###### [The Prevalence of Campylobacter in Food and Elsewhere](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/campylobacter/campylobacter-prevalence) How prevalent is Campylobacter food contamination? Campylobacter infection is commonly associated with the consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk, undercooked poultry, and contaminated water; however, most Campylobacter cases are sporadic... ###### [Transmission of Campylobacter jejuni](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/campylobacter/campylobacter-transmission) Transmission of and infection with Campylobacter jejuni bacteria As discussed above, most Campylobacter infections in humans are caused by the consumption of contaminated raw milk and dairy products, food, or... ###### [Symptoms of Campylobacter infection](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/campylobacter/campylobacter-symptoms-risks) What are the symptoms of Campylobacter food poisoning? Not all Campylobacter infections cause obvious illness. Symptomatic infection occurs almost exclusively in infants and young children, who can be infected repeatedly... ##### Outbreak Database #### Looking for a comprehensive list of outbreaks? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ View Outbreak Database ](https://outbreakdatabase.com)