Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The critical environmental factor in reducing the risk of infection is the contact with animals. This is particularly relevant in settings where zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans. Proper handling and management of animals can significantly lower the risk of infections, especially in environments such as farms, veterinary clinics, or even in healthcare settings where therapy animals may be used. Ensuring that individuals have limited or controlled interaction with animals reduces the possible exposure to various pathogens, thereby minimizing the risk of infection.

In contrast, while the length of hospital stay, type of medication prescribed, and number of healthcare personnel can influence patient outcomes and infection risks, they are not fundamentally environmental factors in the same way contact with animals is. Length of hospital stay can relate to healthcare-associated infections, medication can manage infection risks but does not directly alter the environment, and the number of healthcare personnel pertains to staff availability rather than environmental conditions. Thus, managing and mitigating direct contact with animals is a proactive measure to create a safer environment for reducing infection risks.