The only foodborne disease required by international health regulations to be reported to the WHO is caused by which organism?

• A. Vibrio cholerae
• B. Salmonella enterica
• C. Listeria monocytogenes
• D. Norovirus

Answer: (A)

Under international health regulations, reporting to the World Health Organization focuses on diseases with the potential for international spread and rapid impact. Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is singled out because outbreaks can be explosive and cross borders quickly through contaminated water and food, necessitating quick global notification and coordinated response. The other common foodborne pathogens—Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Norovirus—are major causes of illness but are not designated as notifiable to WHO under these regulations. Their outbreaks are typically tracked and managed at national or regional levels, rather than through mandatory international notification. So, the organism involved in the disease that must be reported to WHO is Vibrio cholerae.