To help prevent Hepatitis A transmission via the fecal-oral route, which measure is most effective?

• A. Handwashing with soap and water
• B. Wearing a mask
• C. Isolating the patient
• D. Using gloves only

Answer: (A)

Preventing fecal-oral transmission hinges on removing pathogens from hands, and handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to do that. Hepatitis A is shed in feces and can contaminate hands after bathroom use or when handling food, so a thorough wash physically detaches and rinses the virus away, reducing the chance of transfer to food, surfaces, or others. Alcohol-based sanitizers are less reliable against non-enveloped viruses like Hep A, so soap and water is preferred, especially when hands are dirty or after potential exposure.

Wearing a mask doesn’t prevent fecal-oral spread, which occurs through contaminated hands or objects. Isolating the patient helps in certain clinical settings but isn’t the primary way to stop community transmission. Gloves alone aren’t enough because the virus can be transferred during glove removal or if hand hygiene isn’t performed before and after use.