Foodborne and Gastrointestinal Illness

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Gastrointestinal (GI) illness is caused by a variety of different disease-causing microbes or germs that can be acquired by consuming contaminated food or beverages, contact with contaminated recreational water, infected animals or their environments, or infected people. These germs can cause a variety of symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, fever and sometimes headaches, rash 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.

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Different types of food on rustic wooden table

Foodborne GI Illness

Many different disease-causing germs can contaminate foods, so there are many different foodborne infections (also called foodborne disease or food poisoning).

Waterborne GI Illness

Swimming-related illnesses are diseases that people can get from the water in which they swim and play—like swimming pools, hot tubs/spas, splash pads, or oceans, lakes, and rivers—if the water is contaminated with germs.

Animal-Related GI Illness

Zoonotic diseases (also known as zoonoses) are caused by germs that spread between animals and people.

Raw milk

Drinking raw or unpasturized milk and eating its products can increase the risk of you or your loved ones becoming sick.

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Gastrointestinal Disease Data

Click here for current and historical numbers of gastrointestinal disease cases reported to the North Dakota Department of Health. Select the reportable disease that you are interested in under 'Select a Condition'. Current data will be displayed. To find historical data, select the year you are interested in under 'Select a Year'.

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Common Foodborne, Waterborne, and Animal-related GI Illnesses