Sick from food poisoning? What to do next and how to report a case in Whatcom County

Every year 3,000 people die and 48 million get sick from food poisoning, also known as foodborne illnesses, in the United States, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.

There are over 250 different foodborne illnesses that are caused by toxins, parasites, bacteria, chemicals and viruses that affect people differently, making it difficult to know when to see a doctor or seek emergency medical care.

People can get food poisoning easily according to the Whatcom County Health Department, such as from food that is not cooled or reheated correctly, food that is contaminated, food that is left out at room temperature for too long or even a sick person handling food.

People with weakened immune systems such as elderly, young or pregnant women are at greater risk of getting foodborne illnesses and having more serious symptoms compared to others, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.

Food poisoning can also lead to more serious illnesses and medical conditions such as kidney failure, brain damage, chronic arthritis and nerve damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Food poisoning symptoms

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses depend on the bacteria, chemicals or other germs a person ingested, according to the CDC.

After ingesting the contaminated food, it can take hours or days to start having symptoms.

Symptoms of food poisoning include:

▪ Upset stomach.

▪ Nausea.

▪ Vomiting.

▪ Stomach cramps.

▪ Diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea.

▪ Fever.

Foods such as seafood, shellfish, raw milk, poultry and raw eggs are more associated with food poisoning compared to other foods, according to the CDC.

What to do if you have food poisoning

If you believe you have food poisoning, the CDC recommends staying hydrated especially if you are experiencing dehydrating symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, the Whatcom County Health Department recommends seeing a health care provider for testing and possible treatments. If you need an ambulance or if there is an emergency, call 911.

Some foodborne illnesses can also be spread from person to person, so if you are sick stay home and wash your hands often.

If you work in food service, health care or child care settings the health department also recommends not going to work until at least 24 hours after your food poisoning symptoms end.

Reporting food poisoning

Reporting food poisoning can help identify potential disease outbreaks and help keep others from getting sick.

The Whatcom County Health Department investigates food poisoning cases in restaurants and other food service settings. If you believe you have a foodborne illness, the health department asks you to report it by calling 360-778-6000 or emailing the Food Safety Program at environmentalhealth@whatcomcounty.com.

Whatcom County restaurant and food service inspection results can be found online through the health department’s website.

If you believe you got food poisoning from your groceries or processed foods, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services asks you to report your case to various departments such as the Food and Drug Administration or the United States Department of Agriculture.