Question

A food handler in a high-risk population facility reported to a manager that he has been diagnosed with norovirus. He can return to work?

a) Only after a negative test
b) After 24 hours symptom-free
c) After 48 hours symptom-free
d) After receiving medical treatment

Answer 1

A food handler diagnosed with norovirus should not return to work until symptom-free for 48 hours. Medical treatment is not required as the illness usually resolves on its own. The correct answer is option c).

Step-by-step explanation:

When a food handler in a high-risk population facility is diagnosed with norovirus, they should not return to work until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours. This is because norovirus is highly contagious and can spread easily to others, especially in close quarters such as a food service setting.

Returning to work only after receiving medical treatment is not necessary, as there are no specific medications available for norovirus. The illness usually goes away on its own within a couple of days.

It is important for the food handler to follow good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, and for the facility to take precautions to prevent the spread of norovirus to other staff and customers.