Utah Food Safety Practice Test

What is the Norovirus known for?

1. It is a rare source of foodborne illness.

2. It primarily affects healthy individuals.

3. It is a common source of foodborne illness.

4. It has no known symptoms.

The correct answer is: It is a common source of foodborne illness.

The Norovirus is recognized as a leading cause of foodborne illness globally, making option C the correct choice. It is highly contagious and can spread through contaminated food, surfaces, and person-to-person contact. Norovirus outbreaks are often associated with institutions such as cruise ships, schools, and restaurants, where close contact and shared food can facilitate its rapid spread. Symptoms typically include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea, which contribute to its classification as a significant public health concern. The other options fall short since Norovirus is not a rare source of foodborne illness; rather, it is one of the most common. Furthermore, while it can affect anyone, it does not primarily target only healthy individuals, as people of all health statuses can contract it. Additionally, Norovirus is associated with well-known symptoms, contradicting the notion that it has no known symptoms. This highlights its widespread impact and the importance of effective food safety practices to prevent contamination.