What symptom should a food handler report to their manager?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of food safety and public health. Food handlers are in a critical position where their health can directly impact the safety of the food they prepare and serve. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, or any contagious illness can indicate the presence of foodborne pathogens. If a food handler exhibits any of these symptoms, they could transmit harmful bacteria or viruses to the food they are working with, posing a risk to customers.

Reporting these symptoms enables managers to take immediate action, such as excluding the affected worker from the food preparation areas until they are cleared to return. This preventive measure helps maintain a safe food environment and protects public health. It's crucial for food handlers to recognize the severity of these symptoms in relation to food safety and to act responsibly by informing their supervisors.

In contrast, other symptoms such as a headache, persistent cough, or fatigue may not have the same immediate implications for food safety and can often be addressed through other means, such as rest or medical attention. Therefore, they do not carry the same urgency for reporting compared to those listed in the correct answer.