Which illness is commonly associated with inadequate sanitation practices?

Norovirus is indeed commonly associated with inadequate sanitation practices. This virus is highly contagious and can spread easily in environments where hygiene measures are lax, such as through contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. When sanitation practices are not rigorously followed—such as failing to properly wash hands, not sanitizing surfaces, or handling food without proper precautions—there is a significant risk of norovirus outbreaks.

The virus is particularly notorious for causing gastroenteritis, which manifests as symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, frequently leading to rapid person-to-person transmission in crowded settings, such as ships or communal living spaces. Implementing strict sanitation protocols is vital in preventing its spread and controlling outbreaks effectively.

In contrast, while other options like cholera and hepatitis A are also linked to sanitation issues, norovirus is more prevalent in scenarios where hygiene is compromised, especially in the context of food service or while onboard ships where outbreaks can rapidly propagate among crew and passengers.