Hand washing for children essential as shigellosis warning is issued

Illness “commonly affects young people”

Most common during the autumn months, reported outbreaks of shigellosis are said to be on the rise in the UK according to a recent report on The Sun website.

The bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is highly infectious says the article, which was written by Paul Harper.

Young people are normally the worst affected by the illness which can be passed by contact with an infected person – but also by touching something that an infected person has previous come into contact with, such as a door handle.

“Poor hygiene, such as not washing your hands after the toilet, is a common cause of the bug being passed on according to the NHS.”

England and Wales, says the report, currently has around 1,800 cases a year.

Teaching hand washing to children

“It is so important to teach children how to wash their hands properly” said Manty Stanley, MD of TEAL Patents.

“Many gels are ineffective when it comes to guarding against catching norovirus or shigellosis. Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then drying with a paper hand towel is the proven and most effective method” she added.

Shigellosis – what you need to know about the contagious bug that could sweep Britain this autumn »

Teach children to wash hands properly with a TEAL mobile unit

Handwash training for children is easy with a TEAL unit. Kids just love the warm gentle wash with these portable sinks – even when they’re on the go. And TEAL mobile sinks can ensure that children can have access to a warm water hand wash – even where they are enjoying outside play!

The TEAL KiddiWash Xtra and KiddiSynk mobile sinks are designed especially for smaller hands – and they make hand washing educational and fun.

Perfect for nurseries, creches, pre-schools, outside play areas and children’s pet farms, TEAL warm water hand wash units are robust, easy to use and easy to clean.

Portable sinks for younger children »