Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Hepatitis transmission commonly occurs via which route?

1. Airborne droplets

2. Fecal-oral transmission

3. Contaminated blood

4. Direct contact with infected fluids

The correct answer is: Fecal-oral transmission

The transmission of hepatitis, particularly hepatitis A and hepatitis E, is primarily associated with the fecal-oral route. This mode of transmission occurs when fecal matter from an infected person contaminates food or drinking water, leading to infection when the contaminated substance is ingested. Hepatitis A, for example, is often spread through consumption of contaminated food, water, or close personal contact with an infected person, all of which fall under the fecal-oral transmission category. Hepatitis E is similarly transmitted, mainly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. While other forms of hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, are transmitted through contaminated blood and direct contact with infected fluids, this specific question focuses on the routes that are commonly linked with hepatitis A and E, making fecal-oral transmission the most relevant and accurate answer.