Sanitation Certification Practice Test

What are common symptoms of foodborne illness?

1. Headaches and fatigue

2. Fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea

3. Dizziness and dehydration

4. Skin rashes and muscle pain

The correct answer is: Fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea

The selection of fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea accurately reflects common symptoms associated with foodborne illness. These symptoms arise as the body reacts to harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may be present in contaminated food or water. Fever indicates that the body is fighting off infection, while nausea and abdominal cramps often result from the gastrointestinal tract being affected. Diarrhea, in particular, is a frequent response to foodborne pathogens as the body attempts to expel the toxins or infectious agents. Other options mention symptoms that can occur in various health conditions but are not specifically indicative of foodborne illness. For instance, headaches and fatigue are more general feelings that can arise from numerous illnesses, while dizziness and dehydration could result from many causes, including but not limited to foodborne infections. Skin rashes and muscle pain are also not standard symptoms associated with foodborne pathogens and may point toward different types of illnesses or reactions. Therefore, the identified symptoms in the chosen answer are specifically linked to the body's responses to foodborne pathogens.