Final answer:
The illness that must be reported to the local regulatory authority by a food handler is Norovirus. This virus can cause extensive foodborne outbreaks and is a top concern for food safety. Option 3 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The illness in a food handler that must be reported to the local regulatory authority is Norovirus. Among the various illnesses that food handlers can experience, Norovirus is specifically connected with foodborne outbreaks and it is one of the top five germs that cause illness from food consumed in the United States.
Unlike the influenza virus, rhinovirus, or non-infectious conditions like tinnitus, Norovirus is particularly associated with the contamination of food and can lead to extensive outbreaks, especially in closed environments like cruise ships.
Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can be incredibly disruptive and harmful, especially in food service settings.
This is why food handlers who exhibit symptoms of this virus or are confirmed to have it must report it immediately, to prevent further spreading of the illness through contaminated food. Proper hygiene and food safety practices are vital to prevent such diseases.
Norovirus leads to stomach and intestinal inflammation, making it essential for affected food handlers to report their condition to prevent widespread contamination.