Report: 1 in 6 mobile phones in UK survey contaminated with E. coli

One in six mobile phones may be contaminated with the potentially E. coli bacteria, a study in a United Kingdom school showed. The study found 16 percent of phones and 16 percent of hands had the E. coli bacteria, which inhabit the human intestines. "Worryingly, 16 percent of hands and 16 percent of phones were found to harbor E. coli – bacteria of a fecal origin. Harmful E. coli (Escherichia coli) is associated with stomach upsets and has been implicated in serious cases of food poisoning such as the fatal O157 outbreak in Germany in June," the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said. Also, the study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Mary, University of London showed a tendency among Britons to lie about their hygiene habits. It said that while 95 percent of people said they washed their hands with soap where possible, 92 percent of phones and 82 percent of hands had bacteria on them. "This study provides more evidence that some people still don’t wash their hands properly, especially after going to the toilet. I hope the thought of having E. coli on their hands and phones encourages them to take more care in the bathroom – washing your hands with soap is such a simple thing to do but there is no doubt it saves lives," said hygiene expert and UK campaign leader for Global Hand-washing Day Dr. Val Curtis. For the study, researchers took 390 samples from mobile phones and hands in 12 cities. They also asked participants a series of questions about their hand-washing habits. According to the study, the largest proportion of contaminated phones was in Birmingham (41 percent) while Londoners were caught with the highest proportion of E. coli present on hands (28 percent). But actual levels of bacteria increased the further north the scientists went, the study showed. It indicated the "dirtiest" city was Glasgow, where average bacterial levels on phones and hands were found to be nine times higher than in Brighton, reinforcing a North/South divide. The school noted fecal bacteria can survive on hands and surfaces for hours at a time, especially in warmer temperatures away from sunlight. It is easily transferred by touch to door handles, food and even mobile phones. "From there, the germs can be picked up by other people. Every year, 3.5 million children under the age of five are killed by pneumonia and diarrhea – and the simple action of washing hands with soap is one of the most effective ways of preventing these illnesses," it said. A British Broadcasting Co. report said virologist Professor John Oxford said people may not be washing thoroughly enough, or long enough. Health officials, including those in the Philippines, had advised the public to sing two verses of "Happy Birthday" while washing their hands. Global Hand-washing Day is an annual event which promotes hand-hygiene, the cheapest and most effective way of preventing infection by bacteria and viruses. —LBG, GMA News