Foodborne Illness


How do you get a foodborne illness?

Eating or drinking contaminated foods or drinks can cause foodborne illnesses. There are more than 250 types of foodborne illnesses caused by different germs. You can get these germs from the foods you eat, but also from water, from contact with animals or from contact with a person who is sick.

What are the symptoms of foodborne illnesses?

Most foodborne illnesses will cause:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Other symptoms may include:

  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Body aches
  • Tiredness

After eating contaminated food, it can take just a few hours to a week to begin feeling bad. Symptoms usually go away after a few days, but may last a full week depending on the germ.

How can you find out if you have a foodborne illness?

The symptoms caused by foodborne illnesses can be the same as for many other illnesses. The only way to find out for sure if you have a foodborne illness is to submit a stool sample for testing.

What are the most common foodborne illnesses?

Find fact sheets about foodborne illnesses

Which foods are more likely to cause foodborne illnesses?

  • Raw meat and poultry, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk or cheese and raw shellfish.
  • Fruits and vegetables can be contaminated with manure used to fertilize fields or irrigation water.
  • Raw sprouts, because they need a warm, humid environment to grow. This environment is also perfect for growing germs.
  • Unpasteurized fruit juice if there were germs on the fruit used to make them.
  • Any food or drink touched by a person who has vomiting or diarrhea and did not wash their hands well.

How are foodborne illnesses treated?

People with foodborne illnesses usually get better on their own and do not need to be treated; however, you can become dehydrated if you have a lot of vomiting and diarrhea. If you have vomiting and diarrhea, you should drink plenty of liquids. Antibiotics are not usually needed to treat foodborne illnesses.

When should I go to the doctor?

You should go to the doctor if you have diarrhea and vomiting with:

  • High fever (over 101.5ยบ F)
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Vomiting that doesn't allow you to get enough liquids (dehydration). Signs of dehydration (not urinating, dry mouth, feeling dizzy when standing up, young children may not be as active or may sleep more than usual)
  • Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.

How can I keep from getting foodborne illnesses?

There are many things you can do to help prevent foodborne illnesses, including:

People with health problems and weakened immune systems need to take special care.

How can I report a foodborne illness?

To report a possible foodborne illness in Wake County, please call 919-250-4462 to talk to a communicable disease nurse.

To report a problem in a particular restaurant in Wake County, please call 919-856-7400.

For more information visit:

cp 12-22-11