Which statement correctly describes the relationship between isolation and quarantine?

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between isolation and quarantine?

• A. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from those not sick, and quarantine separates and restricts movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
• B. Isolation is the same as quarantine.
• C. Quarantine applies only to animals.
• D. Isolation is primarily a voluntary measure with no legal authority.

Answer: (A)

Isolation separates people who are sick with a contagious disease from those who are not sick, while quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. This distinction explains why the statement is correct: it matches the purpose of each measure—keeping the ill apart to prevent transmission, and monitoring those who might become ill after exposure. Public health authorities can implement both as needed, and quarantine is not limited to animals, nor is isolation solely voluntary without authority.

Isolation separates people who are sick with a contagious disease from those who are not sick, while quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. This distinction explains why the statement is correct: it matches the purpose of each measure—keeping the ill apart to prevent transmission, and monitoring those who might become ill after exposure. Public health authorities can implement both as needed, and quarantine is not limited to animals, nor is isolation solely voluntary without authority.