foodborne disease outbreaks

Foodborne disease outbreaks occur when contaminated food or beverages cause multiple people to get sick. Contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins can enter the food during production, processing, or preparation. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Outbreaks are identified when two or more people experience similar illnesses linked to a specific food source. They can spread rapidly if proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices are not followed. Public health investigations help identify the source, control the outbreak, and prevent future cases, ensuring food safety for consumers.