Final answer:
In this epidemiological study, the exposure variable is the consumption of contaminated food and water from the local market, and the outcome variable is the occurrence of the unknown illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this epidemiological study, the variable defined as the exposure would be the consumption of contaminated food and water from the local market. The outcome variable would be the occurrence of the unknown illness characterized by high fevers, diarrhea, and vomiting.