What preventive measure can help mitigate the risk of contracting Norovirus?

Good personal hygiene is a crucial preventive measure in mitigating the risk of contracting Norovirus. This virus is highly contagious and often spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and person-to-person contact. Effective handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before handling food, significantly reduces the likelihood of spreading the virus.

Maintaining cleanliness around food preparation areas and ensuring that individuals who are ill refrain from handling food also play vital roles in prevention. The virus can survive on surfaces, so using disinfectants on frequently-touched items is integral to controlling its spread.

The other choices, while they may contribute to overall health or food safety in different contexts, do not specifically address the transmission pathways of Norovirus. Regular feeding of pets, for example, does not have a direct impact on hand hygiene practices related to food safety or Norovirus prevention. Proper cooking of meats is important for preventing foodborne illness related to bacteria, but it does not directly apply to Norovirus, which is primarily spread through contact rather than improper cooking. Avoiding dairy products might be relevant for certain food allergies or intolerances but is not a recognized measure against Norovirus transmission.