Food-Borne Illness Investigation Program

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?

  1. If you or your doctor suspect that you have a food-borne illness, you should contact the Health Department, call 1-844-IowaSic (1-844-469-2742), or fill out this online form created by Iowa HHS. 
  2. It is important to collect a stool or vomit specimen for analysis in the lab. For instructions on how to collect a stool specimen, you can watch these videos created by Iowa HHS, available in both English and Spanish. 
  3. It is important to write down as many things as you can remember eating in the past 72 hours, from all sources.
  4. 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.
  5. Save any samples of the food that you have eaten that may be left over and in your possession.
  6. 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?