What action is required when a foodhandler is diagnosed with shigellosis?

When a food handler is diagnosed with shigellosis, it is crucial that they do not come into work. Shigellosis is a highly contagious infection that can be easily transmitted through contaminated food and water or by contact with infected individuals. Food handlers who are ill with this condition pose a significant risk to public health, as they can spread the bacteria to food and surfaces, potentially causing outbreaks.

Workplace guidelines and health regulations mandate that employees with specific illnesses, especially those affecting the gastrointestinal tract like shigellosis, must refrain from working until they have fully recovered. This policy helps to protect the safety of consumers by minimizing the risk of foodborne illness transmission.

Other actions, such as frequent hand washing, while important for general hygiene, are not sufficient to mitigate the risk posed by an infected individual in a food handling environment. Wearing a mask may reduce the spread of respiratory droplets but does not address the primary transmission route for shigellosis, which is via the fecal-oral route. Therefore, the only appropriate action when a food handler is diagnosed with shigellosis is for them to stay home until cleared to return to work by a healthcare professional.