Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

If a guest complained of vomiting and diarrhea after eating raw oysters, what pathogen probably caused the illness?

1. Salmonella

2. E. coli

3. Norovirus

4. Clostridium botulinum

The correct answer is: Norovirus

When a guest complains of symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea after consuming raw oysters, the likely pathogen responsible for the illness is Norovirus. Norovirus is commonly associated with shellfish, especially raw oysters, as it can contaminate the oysters through water sources. Consuming raw or undercooked oysters contaminated with Norovirus can lead to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, making it the correct answer in this scenario. Salmonella is a bacteria commonly found in raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, causing symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. E. coli is usually linked to undercooked ground beef or contaminated produce. Clostridium botulinum is associated with improperly canned foods and can cause symptoms like paralysis and respiratory failure. However, in this case, the most probable culprit for the guest's illness after eating raw oysters is Norovirus.