A further study of the epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni infections.

Epidemiological data on notifications of Campylobacter jejuni infections is given for the Christchurch health district area. The number of notifications rose steadily to a peak of 883 cases in 1987 (rate 261 per 100,000 population). Christchurch shows consistently higher rates than the rest of New Zealand. Peak incidence is in the 0-4 age group; there is a high incidence amongst males and in rural areas; peak incidences in spring/summer; occupational risks have not been identified; chicken consumption is high amongst the sufferers, but statistical significance uncertain. The major association identified amongst campylobacter cases is a household contact with dogs. This has a risk factor of 1.25 to 2 times.