What is the duration of symptoms caused by Bacillus Cereus intoxication?

Bacillus cereus is known to cause two types of gastrointestinal illnesses: an emetic (vomiting) illness and a diarrheal illness. The symptoms associated with Bacillus cereus intoxication typically manifest relatively quickly after consumption of contaminated food, particularly in cases related to the emetic type, which can be linked to fried rice that has been improperly stored and then reheated.

The symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, and they often resolve within a short timeframe. Specifically, the duration of these symptoms for intoxication from Bacillus cereus is generally less than 24 hours. This is a key characteristic of this type of foodborne illness, as many gastrointestinal illnesses can last longer, which sets Bacillus cereus apart in terms of the duration of its effects.

In contrast, other foodborne pathogens might cause longer-lasting symptoms, but Bacillus cereus intoxication is specifically noted for its brief symptom duration, often leading to a quick recovery.