There are different types of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Three examples are Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella. These bacteria are especially harmful for people in certain groups. But, they can cause foodborne illness in anyone.

Foodborne illness caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria can cause different symptoms. Read on to learn what they are, and what to do if you experience these symptoms.

E. coli infection

How long it takes for symptoms to appear: 1-3 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Signs and symptoms of infection: Watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, some vomiting.

How long symptoms last: 3-7 or more days.

What food or drinks can transmit it? Any water or food with traces of human feces.

Salmonella infection (also known as Salmonellosis)

How long it takes for symptoms to appear: 6-48 hours after eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages.

Signs and symptoms of infection: Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting.

How long symptoms last: 4-7 days.

What food or drinks can transmit it?

• Eggs
• Poultry
• Meat
• Unpasteurized milk or juice
• Cheese
• Contaminated raw fruits and vegetables

Listeriosis (the foodborne illness caused by Listeria)

How long it takes for symptoms to appear: 9-48 hours for stomach issues like nausea or diarrhea. A more serious illness can appear 2-6 weeks later.

Signs and symptoms of infection: Fever, muscle aches, and nausea or diarrhea. While pregnant, you may experience only a mild flu-like illness. But, the infection can lead to premature delivery or stillbirth. It can cause serious health issues for older adults. Or, anyone with a weakened immune system.

How long symptoms last: It can be different for every person.

What food or drinks can transmit it? 

A few examples are:

• Unpasteurized milk
• Soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk
• Ready-to-eat lunch meats

Caution

Listeriosis is especially serious during pregnancy. Learn more about listeriosis and how to prevent it.

Isn't there a foodborne illness that has to do with cats? 

You may have heard of an illness that you can get from cat litter boxes. This is toxoplasmosis. It is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can be found in some foods. It can also be found in dirty cat litter boxes. Or, anywhere else cat feces can be found.

Signs and symptoms of infection: Flu-like illness. Or, there may be no symptoms at all. Toxoplasmosis can become very serious during pregnancy. It can cause miscarriage and birth defects. If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can prevent toxoplasmosis.

What food or drinks can transmit it: Raw or undercooked meat. Or, any food or water contaminated with the parasite. One way food or water can be contaminated is through accidental contact with cat feces. 

What should I do if I experience these symptoms or someone else in my home does? 

Contact your healthcare provider. Tell them the symptoms and follow the care instructions they provide. Make sure to mention if the person with symptoms is in one of the groups below. For people in these groups, symptoms can be life-threatening.

• People who are pregnant
• Infants
• Children under 5
• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems

Sources:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What You Need to Know about Foodborne Illnesses. Retrieved September 04, 2020, from https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/what-you-need-know-about-foodborne-illnesses.

2. CDC - Toxoplasmosis - General Information - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (2020, September 03). Retrieved September 04, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html.