On this page: - What are foodborne illnesses? - What causes
foodborne illnesses? - Who gets foodborne illnesses? - What are
the symptoms of foodborne illnesses? - What are the
complications of foodborne illnesses? - When should people with
foodborne illnesses see a health care provider? - How are
foodborne illnesses diagnosed? - How are foodborne illnesses
treated? - Eating, Diet, and Nutrition - How are foodborne
illnesses prevented? - Traveler’s Diarrhea - Points to Remember
- Hope through Research - For More Information What are
foodborne illnesses? Foodborne illnesses are infections or
irritations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by food or
beverages that contain harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, or
chemicals. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a
long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. Common symptoms
of foodborne illnesses include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
pain, fever, and chills. Most foodborne illnesses are acute,
meaning they happen suddenly and last a short t