Food Poisoning and Infectious Diseases
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We monitor cases of food poisoning and certain infectious diseases in order to protect public health.
Doctors also have a duty to report food poisonings and certain diseases to the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control (CCDC).
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness which usually occurs after eating or drinking food or drink that is contaminated by germs or chemicals.
What are the symptoms?
Typical symptoms include nausea and vomiting (feeling or being sick), stomach cramps, and diarrhoea that come on suddenly (usually within 72 hours) after consuming a contaminated food or drink. Depending on the cause, fever and chills, bloody stools and/or dehydration may also follow. These symptoms may affect one person or a group of people who ate the same thing (this would be called an outbreak).
If I am suffering from food poisoning, is there anything I should do whilst I am ill?
- wash hands with soap in hot running water and dry thoroughly, especially food and after using the toilet
- avoid close contact with other people until the diarrhoea has stopped
- avoid preparing food for other people
- make sure you do not share towels or flannels with anyone else
- clean toilet seats, flush handles and taps frequently with hot, soapy water and disinfectant
- soiled clothes and bedding should be washed on their own in the washing machine on the hottest cycle.
Will I need to stay off work/school?
You must stay away from work/school until AT LEAST 48 hours after your diarrhoea has stopped. If your work involves handling food, nursing or working with the young, sick or elderly you must tell your employer about your illness.
How can I avoid food poisoning?
Our Food Safety page if full of advice on how to properly store and handle food to reduce the risk of illness.
If you think you may be suffering from food poisoning, see your GP for advice
GPs will notify us of all cases of food poisoning. We may need to carry out an investigation to minimise the risk to public health, especially where we think a food business may be involved.
Why does the council get involved?
The reason we investigate food poisoning cases is to stop outbreaks from occurring whenever possible. Any personal information received is completely confidential.
Other Infectious Diseases
GP’s are required to notify us of some other infectious diseases, such as mumps or measles. This is so we can keep a record of their occurrence and minimise the spread by people working in the food/health professions.
Advice on specific Infectious Diseases is contained in the files at the bottom of the page, you might also like to visit the Health Protection Agency website.
For further advice or information please contact us, our details are at the bottom of the page.
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