Food Poisoning: Report an Illness Caused by Food or Water
If you think food or water has recently made you sick, we want to know!
Sometimes food that you ate, water that you drank, or water from pools, lakes, or rivers can have germs that make you sick. These illnesses are sometimes called food poisoning and can be mild or severe, depending on the type of germ you swallowed. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. Let us know if you think food or water has recently made you sick by filling out a form that asks questions about:
- Your symptoms
- Places you have recently visited
- Food you have eaten in the last few days
You can fill out the form for yourself or for a group of people (if more than one person got sick).
This tool is not a substitute for health care, and people who are feeling sick should contact their health care provider.
If you are severely ill, see a doctor immediately. Food poisoning can be especially dangerous for infants, pregnant people, elderly, and people who are immunocompromised.
Why should I report my illness caused by food or water?
Telling us about your illness and sharing information about a food or water source you think made you sick will help us keep others in your community safe. Health officials track food poisoning illnesses and investigate to find out if multiple illnesses were caused by the same food or water source. If a common source is found, public health officials can take steps to prevent more people from getting sick. These steps include:
- Sending messages to community members to inform them about the specific source of illness
- Issuing recalls to remove contaminated food from stores and restaurants
- Working with facilities to make sure they are preparing food and cleaning properly
- Restricting access to contaminated swimming areas
How did the germs get in my food or water?
There are several different types of germs that can cause food poisoning. Some are more commonly found on foods, while others are more likely to contaminate water. However, all are spread when infected animals or people shed them in their feces (poop). These germs can end up in our food and water in many different ways. For example, germs from poop can get in the water used to grow fruits or vegetables. If these foods are not washed or cooked, eating them can make people sick. Learn more about common germs that cause food poisoning.
How can I avoid getting food poisoning?
See the Department of Health Services Food Safety webpage to learn the best ways to handle, prepare, and store food to prevent illness. You'll also learn best practices for storing foods and get tips for eating out safely.
Resources
Feeling Sick? Report it Quick!, P-03543 (PDF)
If you would like to report a concern about a food or water venue that is not illness related, please file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.