Salmonella & Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborne illnesses affect millions of people in the U.S. each year. The Duplin County Health Department is dedicated to helping our community prevent, identify, and respond to food-borne illness outbreaks such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus.

What Is a Foodborne Illness?

A food-borne illness (also known as food poisoning) is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. These illnesses can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can be life-threatening.

 What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food-borne illness. It’s a type of bacteria that can live in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy. It can also be found in fruits, vegetables, and even processed foods.

Symptoms usually begin 6–72 hours after exposure and include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting

Most people recover in 4–7 days without treatment, but young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.

Prevention Tips

To reduce your risk of food-borne illness:

•  Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often
• Cook meat, poultry, and eggs to safe internal temperatures
• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot
•  Avoid raw or undercooked eggs, seafood, or unpasteurized dairy
• Separate raw meat from other foods during shopping and storage

What to Do If You're Sick

If you think you have a food-borne illness:

• Stay hydrated
• Rest
• Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or include high fever or blood in stool
• Report your illness to the Duplin County Health Department- Environmental Health if you suspect it came from a restaurant or public event

Our Role in the Community

The Duplin County Health Department:

• Investigates reports of food-borne illnesses
• Works with state and local partners to prevent outbreaks
• Educates the public on safe food handling
• Offers resources for food establishments and event organizers