Question

Which option identifies what most likely happened to Rayla in the following scenario?

Rayla went with a friend to a popular restaurant and sat on the patio to enjoy the warm weather. She ate a spinach salad and developed severe abdominal cramps and a fever the next morning.

A) Rayla got sick because spinach is susceptible to bacteria when left outside too long.
B) Rayla got sick because the salad dressing was tainted from sitting out.
C) Rayla got sick because the spinach was contaminated with airborne bacteria.
D) Rayla got sick because she contracted salmonella from the spinach.

Answer 1

Rayla most likely contracted salmonella from the contaminated spinach, as reflected by her symptoms. Contamination can occur through animal waste, with salmonella being more closely associated with poultry. Proper food handling and thorough cooking can prevent salmonellosis and other foodborne illnesses.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the scenario presented, the most likely explanation for Rayla developing severe abdominal cramps and a fever after eating a spinach salad could be that she contracted salmonella from the spinach (Option D). Produce, including spinach, has been linked to foodborne illnesses when contaminated by animal waste. Salmonella is often associated with poultry and can be introduced to vegetables if they come into contact with contaminated animal waste. Although other bacteria like E. coli O157:H7 are also known to contaminate spinach, the symptoms that Rayla is experiencing are more closely associated with salmonellosis, which includes fever and abdominal cramps and is a common result of ingesting Salmonella-contaminated food. Since foodborne illnesses and their sources can vary, it is also relevant that none of the information provided suggests that the salad dressing or exposure to airborne bacteria is the cause. The proper handling of foods and thorough cooking are essential to prevent such illnesses.