Food Manager Practice Exam

What is the primary way Hepatitis A spreads?

1. Contaminated water

2. Contaminated food

3. Fecal-oral route

4. Airborne transmission

The correct answer is: Fecal-oral route

Hepatitis A primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, which involves ingesting small amounts of fecal matter from an infected person. This can occur when a person consumes food or water that has been contaminated with the virus, typically due to improper sanitation or hygiene practices. In environments where sanitation is inadequate, such as in some developing countries or during outbreaks, the risk of transmission through this route is heightened. While contaminated food and water can act as vehicles for the virus, the fundamental transmission route remains the fecal-oral pathway. It's crucial to note that Hepatitis A is not spread through airborne transmission or direct contact unless it’s associated with contaminated surfaces or inadequate hygiene, which indirectly points back to the fecal-oral route. Understanding this mode of transmission underscores the importance of proper handwashing and food handling practices in preventing the spread of the virus.