Food Poisoning

Person sick in bed.

Do you think you got sick from something you ate? Fill out a foodborne illness report!

A lot of people think they got sick from their last meal. Some germs make you sick soon after eating, but many can take up to 3 or more days to develop.


How to fill out a report

Report online 

Or call us: 608-266-4821

We’ll ask you:

  • Your symptoms
  • Places you’ve recently visited
  • What you’ve eaten in the last few days

The information you enter online is safe, secure, and confidential.

What we do with your report

Your report is sent to us, and only authorized staff can see it. Your identifying information will not be shared with restaurants or any third parties. We will not give your name to anyone outside of our department without your permission.

For some reports, we follow up with the food establishment with a phone call, a visit, or an inspection.


Get medical advice

Contact your health care provider, especially if:

  • You are having severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, severe nausea and vomiting, or a high fever.
  • You are pregnant
  • You are 65 or older
  • You have a weakened immune system
  • The sick person is under the age of 5

These people are at higher risk of getting sick from germs in contaminated food. They are also at higher risk of developing serious medical problems.


Prevent your illness from spreading!

Don't make food for others if you’ve been sick.

Norovirus is the most common cause of food poisoning. It spreads easily and causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

If you’ve been sick:

  • Disinfect surfaces
  • Don't prepare food for your family or work for 24–48 hours after your symptoms have gone away.

Learn more

See Dane County trends in some of the germs that cause food poisoning on our communicable illness data dashboard.

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