Which symptom is commonly associated with foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria?

Fever is a commonly recognized symptom of foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria. When the body detects the presence of harmful bacteria, it responds by activating the immune system, which often results in an increase in body temperature. This is a natural defense mechanism aimed at creating an environment that is less hospitable for the bacteria. The presence of a fever, along with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, can help healthcare professionals identify a bacterial infection related to food consumption.

In contrast, the other options—high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and hair loss—are not typically associated with foodborne bacterial illnesses. High blood pressure is more related to lifestyle and chronic health conditions, chronic fatigue may indicate a variety of health issues but is not a direct symptom of foodborne illness, and hair loss is not a recognized symptom of such infections.