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Foodborne & Gastrointestinal (GI) Illness

Gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses can be caused by a variety of pathogens. GI illnesses can cause many different signs and symptoms, but the most common are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps. However, they may also cause headaches, body aches, rashes, and paralysis. The Division of Disease Control monitors and investigates GI illnesses that are spread through food, water, person-to-person contact and contact with infected animals. This website provides North Dakota statistics, disease information and educational materials to use at home and at work.

Foodborne GI Illness

There are 31 known pathogens that cause foodborne illness (commonly called "food poisoning"). Foodborne illness results when a person consumes contaminated foods or beverages.

Waterborne GI Illness

Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microbes that can be directly spread through contaminated water. Most waterborne diseases cause diarrheal illness.

Animal-Related GI Illness

Animals may carry pathogens that can be spread between animals and humans that can cause gastrointestinal illness.