Grand Junction, Colo. – Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) has released new data on food-borne illnesses, revealing 225 suspected and confirmed cases in 2024. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions as warmer months could lead to a surge in cases.

Investigations Reveal the Scope of the Problem

The MCPH Environmental Health Team investigated 93 suspected cases, while the Disease Surveillance Team looked into 132 confirmed cases. However, officials warn that many more cases likely go unreported.

“For every confirmed food-borne illness, there are likely additional cases that we don’t hear about,” said Sally Born, Environmental Health Manager for MCPH. “Unless individuals report their symptoms to us, it’s difficult to capture the full scope of the issue.”

The Economic Toll of Food-Borne Illnesses

Beyond health concerns, food-related illnesses come with significant financial burdens. MCPH estimates that each reported case costs around $2,500 when factoring in healthcare, missed work, and discarded food.

“This affects not only individuals but also employers who bear the burden of lost productivity,” Born noted.

2025 Trends and Rising Concerns

So far this year, MCPH has investigated 32 cases. With temperatures climbing, officials anticipate a spike in food-borne illnesses.

“As we move into warmer months, people need to be extra careful, especially at cookouts and gatherings,” Born advised. “If food has been left out for over four hours, there’s a good chance of pathogen growth.”

Preventative Measures to Reduce Risk

Food safety experts emphasize key steps to prevent contamination:

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food.
• Keep cooking areas sanitized.
• Store leftovers properly; cooling food on the countertop overnight is unsafe.
• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly after meals.

“Cooling food on the counter for a little bit is fine,” Born explained. “But it should be covered and stored in the fridge or freezer soon after to prevent pathogen growth.”

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common signs of food-borne illness include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Anyone experiencing these symptoms who suspects a food-related cause should contact a healthcare provider.

Health officials stress that early intervention and proper food safety practices can help prevent unnecessary illness and outbreaks.