Sanitation Certification Practice Test

Which foodborne illness can remain contagious in infected individuals even after symptoms disappear?

1. Shigellosis

2. Hepatitis A

3. Salmonellosis

4. Vibrio Gastroenteritis

The correct answer is: Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and can indeed remain contagious even after symptoms have resolved. This occurs because the virus can continue to be present in the infected individual’s stool for a period of time after they have fully recovered from the illness. A person who has had Hepatitis A can still spread the virus to others through improper hygiene practices, particularly if they do not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. Understanding this concept is essential for food safety and sanitation practices, as it highlights the importance of thorough handwashing and proper food handling to prevent the spread of this virus, especially in food service contexts where employees handle food and drink that will be consumed by others. It also underlines the significance of monitoring the health status of food handlers, as they can be a source of transmission even when they no longer exhibit symptoms.