What types of services are offered through the Scott County Health Department Food-Borne Illness Investigation Program?
The Scott County Food-Borne Illness Investigation Program:
- Responds to potential food-borne illnesses as the result of eating contaminated food
- Assists in the collection of samples to be tested for the source of the disease
- Interviews those affected by the illness as well as those who were exposed in the same setting, but did not get sick
- Attempts to determine the source of the illness through testing
What should I do if I suspect that I have a food-borne illness?
- If you or your doctor suspect that you have a food-borne illness, you should contact the Health Department.
- It is important to collect a stool or vomit specimen for analysis in the lab.
- It is important to write down as many things as you can remember eating in the past 72 hours, from all sources.
- Once the Health Department receives notification of a potential food-borne illness, public health nurses and environmental health specialists can begin their investigation of the source.
- Save any samples of the food that you have eaten that may be left over and in your possession.
- In order to have an analysis performed, the laboratory requires a stool or vomit specimen from the patient to compare with the food specimen.
Is there a fee for the service/program?
There is no fee for a food-borne illness investigation but in certain instances there may be a lab fee for testing
Where can I find information on food safety and the Iowa Administrative Code?