What are the symptoms of a foodborne illness?

The symptoms of a foodborne illness are primarily gastrointestinal and systemic in nature, which is why nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever are the correct indications. These symptoms result from the body's response to harmful microorganisms or toxins present in contaminated food. When pathogens enter the digestive system, they can trigger inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to these specific symptoms.

Nausea and vomiting often occur as the body attempts to expel the offending substance, while diarrhea serves to eliminate it more rapidly from the system. Abdominal cramps are typical as the intestines react to inflammation or infection. Fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection, which can be due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic agents associated with contaminated food.

In contrast, fatigue and headaches can be associated with various illnesses but are not specific to foodborne illnesses. Likewise, cough and sore throat tend to point to respiratory infections rather than gastrointestinal disorders. Skin rash and swelling relate more to allergic reactions or specific conditions affecting the skin, rather than the symptoms associated with foodborne pathogens. Therefore, the combination of gastrointestinal signs and fever specifically identifies a foodborne illness.