Food and water borne diseases

Most types of E. coli are harmless. But some can cause diarrhoea (gastroenteritis).

Gastroenteritis is a term used to describe the combination of diarrhoea, nausea (with or without vomiting), stomach pain and fever. Gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection in the stomach and intestines. It is highly infectious, and large numbers of people can be affected in a short amount of time.

A parasite (living thing) found in the guts of people and animals such as cattle, sheep, cats and dogs. It is also found in infected water such as lakes and streams.

A food-borne bacteria that can make you sick. Usually causes few or no symptoms. But some people are more at risk of severe disease.

A virus that causes gastroenteritis. It is very infectious.