Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Foodborne illness

Illness caused by something in food may be due to a virus, bacterium, parasite, toxin or chemical contamination. Diarrhoea and vomiting often resolve on their own with enough fluids, but blood, dehydration, pregnancy, vulnerability, neurological symptoms or illness after fish or home-preserved food require prompt assessment.

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Illness caused by something in food may be due to a virus, bacterium, parasite, toxin or chemical contamination. Diarrhoea and vomiting often resolve on their own with enough fluids, but blood, dehydration, pregnancy, vulnerability, neurological symptoms or illness after fish or home-preserved food require prompt assessment.

  • Nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and sometimes fever.
  • Blood or mucus in the stools, severe abdominal pain or high fever with an invasive intestinal infection.
  • Take frequent small sips of oral rehydration solution, increasing gradually as vomiting eases.
  • Eat light, normal food as you feel able; fasting is unnecessary and breastfeeding can usually continue.
  • Contact a doctor the same day for blood in the stools, high fever, severe localised abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or rapidly worsening illness.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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V
VomitingVomiting means forcefully emptying the stomach through the mouth. It is often caused by a gastrointestinal infection and stops on its own, but dehydration, blood or green vomit, severe pain and drowsiness are warning signs.
H
HiccupsHiccups are usually a harmless reflex caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm and often stop on their own. A short bout after eating quickly, fizzy drinks or laughter is usually not dangerous. Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours, returning often or occurring with neurological, chest or abdominal symptoms do need assessment.
D
DiarrhoeaWith diarrhoea, stools are more frequent and looser than usual. A gut infection is usually the cause and often gets better on its own, but dehydration can quickly become dangerous, especially for babies, older people, pregnant people and those with vulnerable health. Drinking enough and recognising warning signs in time matter most.