Food Manager Practice Exam

Which illness is NOT considered highly infectious?

1. Hepatitis A

2. E. Coli

3. Norwalk/Norovirus

4. Common Cold

The correct answer is: Common Cold

The common cold is not considered highly infectious compared to the other illnesses listed. While it can spread easily, particularly in crowded settings, its transmission does not occur as quickly or as readily as the diseases classified as highly infectious. Hepatitis A can be transmitted through contaminated food and beverages and is known for its potential to spread rapidly in foodservice environments. Similarly, Norwalk virus (Norovirus), notorious for causing outbreaks in communal settings, is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, food, and close contact with infected individuals. E. coli infections are also considered significant in food safety due to their ability to cause outbreaks through contaminated food sources, especially undercooked meat or contaminated vegetables. In summary, while the common cold is contagious, it does not exhibit the same level of transmission risk or public health concern that is typical of the other listed illnesses.