[Contribution to the epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni. From asymptomatic excretion by a cow in the cowshed to overt disease in over 500 persons].

An outbreak of C. jejuni enteritis involving participants of a jogging rally is described. Information was obtained by questionnaire about food consumption, incubation period, duration of illness and symptomatology. A drink prepared with raw milk was incriminated as vehicle of the outbreak. More than 500 runners were symptomatic with an attack rate of over 75%. Secondary cases were rare. Using serotyping, milk from a single cow fecally excreting C. jejuni type 2 was suspected to be the outbreak vehicle.