Which of the following is a common symptom of foodborne illness?

• A. Hair loss.
• B. Sneezing.
• C. Shortness of breath after exercise.
• D. Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and jaundice.

Answer: (D)

Foodborne illness usually shows up with irritation of the digestive system, so vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea are common. Abdominal cramps are typical too, and fever can occur as the body fights the infection. Dizziness or lightheadedness often comes from dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, liver involvement from certain pathogens can cause jaundice. Because this option lists the broad range of typical symptoms, it best captures what people commonly experience with foodborne illness. The other choices describe symptoms that aren’t characteristic of foodborne illness—hair loss, sneezing, or shortness of breath after exercise—so they don’t fit the pattern as well.