7-08-2026 10:10pm

Summer Heat Brings Increased Risk of Foodborne Illness Mercy Health Experts Urge Prevention and Early Recognition

Beth Callahan Editor

While eating outside is fun and the food can be enticing, it's important to note how long the food has been sitting out before eating it.

Story courtesy of Mercy Health. Photo courtesy of Chatgpt.

WARREN COUNTY, OHIO — As summer temperatures climb and more people gather for backyard barbecues, picnics, festivals and outdoor celebrations, the risk of foodborne illness also increases. Warm weather creates ideal conditions for bacteria and other germs to multiply rapidly, particularly when food is left unrefrigerated or improperly handled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million Americans become sick from a foodborne illness each year. Norovirus causes the most foodborne illnesses, while non-typhoidal Salmonella is responsible for the most deaths linked to foodborne infections.

While food poisoning can happen at any time of year, summer presents unique challenges. Foods are often prepared and served outdoors, where maintaining safe temperatures can be difficult. Popular summer staples such as hamburgers, chicken, pasta salads, fresh fruit and other perishable items can quickly become unsafe when exposed to heat for extended periods.

"Summer is a season centered around gathering with friends and family, and food is often at the heart of those celebrations," said Philip Lam, MD, Regional Medical Director for Mercy Health in Cincinnati. "Unfortunately, the same warm temperatures that make outdoor activities enjoyable also create conditions that allow harmful bacteria to grow more quickly. Simple precautions, such as keeping cold foods cold, cooking meats thoroughly and practicing good hand hygiene, can go a long way toward preventing illness."

Symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the source of contamination, but many people experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, fatigue or headaches. Symptoms may develop within a few hours of eating contaminated food or may not appear for several days. Although many cases are mild and resolve on their own, some infections can become serious, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Lam encourages people to be mindful of basic food safety practices throughout the summer. Perishable foods should be refrigerated promptly and should not be left outdoors for more than two hours, or more than one hour when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Using a food thermometer to verify that meats have reached safe internal temperatures, washing produce before consumption and keeping raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods can significantly reduce the risk of contamination.

For most healthy adults, recovering from food poisoning involves staying hydrated, getting adequate rest and gradually returning to normal foods as symptoms improve. Replacing fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting or diarrhea is especially important, as dehydration is one of the most common complications associated with gastrointestinal illness.

"Most people will recover without medical treatment, but it's important to pay attention to how you're feeling," Dr. Lam said. "If symptoms are severe, persist longer than expected or are accompanied by signs of dehydration, seeking medical evaluation is the safest course of action."

Individuals should seek medical care if they experience a high fever, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, prolonged vomiting, symptoms that last several days or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, confusion, extreme thirst, dry mouth or decreased urination. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and identify infections that may require additional medical intervention.

As Cincinnatians enjoy the remainder of the summer season, Mercy Health encourages everyone to make food safety part of their summer routine. Taking a few extra precautions before serving and storing food can help ensure that outdoor gatherings create lasting memories for the right reasons.