About Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illness is any illness that may result from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated beverages. Food may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals. Typical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The elderly, very young, and those with a weakened immune system are more at risk of foodborne illness. The common myth regarding foodborne illness is that the last meal one ate made the person sick. However, some symptoms are not present until days or even up to a couple of months after consuming the food in question. This is why it is important that you provide the Health Department with at least a 3-day food history if you suspect you have a foodborne illness.

What you should do if you suspect you have a foodborne illness

Call your Healthcare Provider if. . .

You have diarrhea and any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 101.5 F, measured orally
• Blood in the stool
• Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
• Signs of dehydration, including a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
• Diarrheal illness that lasts more than 3 days

Call us if. . .

You suspect that your foodborne illness resulted from food consumed outside your home and would like to submit a complaint against the food establishment. (more)