Which infection is a manager required to report to regulatory authorities?

• A. Norovirus
• B. Salmonella
• C. Shigella
• D. Hepatitis A

Answer: (D)

Understanding reporting rules for illnesses is about recognizing which infections public health authorities require to be notified about right away. Hepatitis A is one of the diseases that must be reported promptly to the local or state health department. This is because Hep A can spread through contaminated food and close contact, and timely reporting helps health authorities trace exposures, identify others who may be at risk, and implement control measures to prevent a larger outbreak. In a food-service setting, notifying the health department when a case is suspected or confirmed allows for rapid actions such as investigation, guidance on employee exclusion, and steps to protect customers. The other infections listed can cause outbreaks, but reporting responsibilities often flow through healthcare providers or laboratories rather than directly from a restaurant manager, and the requirement to report them can vary by jurisdiction.