Why hand washing is important to help keep E. coli at bay

Wash your hands with soap and warm water says UKHSA

A recently updated release from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that there had been an increase in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), bringing the total number of cases for the first 6 months of the year to 288 in the UK.

Worryingly, says the article on the UK Government website, 49% of those affected in the first 263 reported cases resulted in hospitalisation.

The report quoted UKHSA Incident Director Amy Douglas, who was encouraged by the fact that E. coli was “continuing to decline”, whilst warning that numbers were expected to increase as a result of additional testing.

Hand washing – a simple step

There are a number of things that can be done to avoid picking up the illness – and its list of associated and extremely unpleasant symptoms, advises the report.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop any further spread of infection.”

It’s very important that those with E. coli symptoms do not go to work or school until the symptoms have disappeared for at least 48 hours, says the article.

A number of previous updates are also included in the report, many of which reveal problems in a number of settings including sandwich makers, caterers and suppliers of (for example) salad leaves.

Avoiding Escherichia coli

Public Health England’s Guidance Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC): symptoms, how to avoid, how to treat lists a considerable number of steps that can be taken to help minimise the risk of spreading the illness.

Section 4 How to avoid getting infected with STEC says that you MUST

“wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet (or helping others including changing nappies), handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals.”

And section 5 Farm visits states “wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas.”

And young children’s hand hygiene must be overseen by responsible adults “to make sure they wash their hands thoroughly.”

And, importantly, under such circumstances, it is crucial that farm visitors do not reply on wipes and hand gels.

“…don’t use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water – gels and wipes don’t remove E. coli O157.”

E. coli advice issued amid rise in cases »

Effective mobile hand washing for everyone – wherever they are

Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile and washing units for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in hospital or medical facility, care home, an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.

Mobile hand wash stations can also be hired »

There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.

The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.