Those who reported being ill were among 600-700 people attending a religious gathering on a private farm near the Oregon border in Walla Walla County, May 29 through June 1, 2003.

"We are collaborating on an investigation into the cause of the illness," said Dr. Jo Hofmann, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Disease. "At this point, we don’t know if the illness is the result of food or water contamination."

Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by Campylobacter bacteria. Most people with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within 2-5 days following exposure to the bacteria. The illness typically lasts one week and can last as long as 10 days. Campylobacteriosis usually results from eating food or drinking water that has become contaminated with the bacteria; outbreaks may be associated with consuming raw or undercooked poultry. In people with compromised immune systems, Campylobacter can cause serious illness. Virtually all who are infected with Campylobacter will recover without any specific treatment, and antibiotics are usually reserved for those with serious infection. Patients should drink plenty of fluids as long as the diarrhea lasts.

"We are recommending that anyone who attended this event and became ill should call their health care provider or local health department. Providers and local health departments should notify the Department of Health of suspected cases of Campylobacter, " Dr. Hofmann said.