What is a foodborne illness?

Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating or drinking something that has been contaminated with germs that can make you sick. Symptoms of a foodborne illness may include diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea, that begins anywhere from a few hours to a few days after eating or drinking something that is contaminated.

Why report a foodborne illness?

Reporting of a foodborne disease speeds up the recognition of outbreaks, helps prevent more people getting sick, helps health officials take prompt action, and assists in determining whether additional measures should be taken to prevent future outbreaks.

What happens when you use Report My Meal?

Report my meal should be used to report any illness for yourself or someone in your household that you think was caused by a food, drink, or meal consumed in Massachusetts. Some answers on the form are required to allow for appropriate follow-up from local health officials. All information that is submitted will be stored securely and be kept confidential by the Department of Public Health in accordance with applicable law.

If you would prefer, you can submit a report by phone by calling the Division of Food Protection at 617-983-6712 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

This flu season has resulted in high rates of infection, and it is vital to take the steps to stay healthy this season. Everyday things such as washing your hands, staying home if you're sick, and wearing masks in large gatherings can protect you and those around you from the flu. Even more protective is the flu vaccine and it is not too late to get vaccinated! The flu vaccine is still available and will not only further protect you, but it will continue to further protect your community. 

The vaccine is available at many different local pharmacies and if you need help locating the closest vaccine to you, don't hesitate to contact the Board of Health. If you are in need of a flu vaccine and may require additional assistance receiving your vaccine, please contact the Charles River Regional Public Health Nurse, Jenn Gangadharan at jgangadharan@needhamma.gov.

The flu can be very serious so make sure you are taking these simple preventative steps to stay healthy this year.