Bacillus cereus

Diarrheal: 6-15 hours
Emetic (vomiting): 30 minutes to 6 hours

Bacillus cereus or B. cereus is a type of bacteria that produces toxins. These toxins can cause two types of illness: one type characterized by diarrhea and the other, called emetic toxin, by nausea and vomiting.

These bacteria are present in foods and can multiply quickly at room temperature.

Sources	A variety of foods, particularly rice and leftovers, as well as sauces, soups, and other prepared foods that have sat out too long at room temperature.
Incubation Period	Diarrheal: 6-15 hours Emetic (vomiting): 30 minutes to 6 hours
Symptoms	Diarrheal: Watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps Emetic (vomiting): Nausea and vomiting
Duration of Illness	24 hours
What Do I Do?	Drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you cannot drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, call your doctor.
How Can I Prevent Illness?	If food is to be stored longer than two hours, keep hot foods hot (over 140°F) and cold foods cold (40°F or under). Store cooked food in a wide, shallow container and refrigerate as soon as possible.

General Information

Bacillus cereus and Other Bacillus (FDA)
From the Bad Bug Book; provides basic facts, including associated foods, frequency of disease, complications, and target populations.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/bcereus/index.html
Source Agency: Health and Human Services (HHS)
Captured Date: 2014-12-11 03:50:34.0