GED Science TestLife ScienceMedium
A public health official is investigating a sudden increase in cases of a waterborne illness in a community. Which of the following is the most effective initial step to prevent further spread?
- ALaunch a public awareness campaign about handwashing.
- BIsolate all individuals showing symptoms.
- CDistribute antibiotics to all community members.
- DIdentify and secure the contaminated water source.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Identify and secure the contaminated water source.
For a waterborne illness, the most direct and effective way to prevent further spread is to eliminate the source of contamination, which is the water itself. Addressing the source stops the transmission pathway.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While good hygiene is important, it is a secondary measure; eliminating the primary source is more critical for a waterborne outbreak.
- B. Isolation helps, but new infections will continue if the source of contamination remains active.
- C. Distributing antibiotics broadly without proper diagnosis can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not a primary prevention for source control.
Disease Transmission Control
Strategies employed to interrupt the spread of infectious diseases by targeting the pathogen, host, or environment.
- Identify source of infection
- Block transmission routes
- Protect susceptible individuals
- Public health interventions are crucial
Memory trick: Source, then Spread, then Symptoms, then Sanitize.