Foodborne Illness Surveillance
The Macomb County Health Department conducts follow-up investigations of reported illness connected with a licensed food service establishment in Macomb County.
How do you know if you have a foodborne illness?
Many food-related illnesses go unreported due to the mistaken belief that it is the "24 hour flu". Common foodborne illness symptoms consist of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and on average last 24-48 hours.
If you believe you have a foodborne illness, who do you contact?
To report a foodborne illness, call the Environmental Health Services Division at 586-469-5236, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or E-mail us now with your name and a daytime phone number that we can reach you at.
I know what made me ill, why do I have to answer so many questions when reporting an illness?
The onset of symptoms often takes more than 12 hours, so the last meal you ate is not necessarily the one that made you ill. When reporting a foodborne illness, health department staff will need a 72 hour meal history along with your symptoms and time of illness onset to identify a suspect food item.
Questions?
If you have any questions, call us at 586-469-5236, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or E-mail us now.
Other Resources
Center for Disease Control - Food-related diseases
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/food/index.htm
Michigan Department of Agriculture - Food safety in the home
http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-50772---,00.html
Food Safety and Inspection Service
Michigan Department of Agriculture - Food Recalls
http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-50772_50776---,00.html