What to do during a food poisoning outbreak

When several people develop diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever after sharing a meal, event or water source, a common exposure is possible. This pattern does not identify the exact food or organism, because symptoms can have unrelated causes and onset may differ between people. Keep leftover food, packaging and receipts if they are available and safe to retain; do not taste suspicious food. Write down who became ill, when symptoms began, what was eaten, and any travel or shared water exposure. These details can help healthcare and public-health teams investigate.

Anyone unwell should take frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution and rest. Wash hands with soap and water, clean bathroom touchpoints, and do not prepare food for others while symptoms continue. Separate towels where possible and avoid sharing ready-to-eat food. Contact the relevant local health authority or healthcare service if multiple people are affected, particularly after a restaurant meal, catered event or shared facility. Oral rehydration therapy may help replace lost salts; IV fluid therapy is an option a clinician may use when dehydration is significant.

Get urgent medical help for blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, very little urine, or inability to drink. High fever with severe weakness also needs prompt assessment. Seek advice earlier for infants, older adults, pregnancy and people with weakened immunity. If symptoms continue or several people are affected, do not wait for the suspected source to be confirmed before asking for guidance.

Should I or other affected people have stool testing? What information or food samples should we preserve? Which symptoms mean someone in the group needs urgent care?