"Hi, we are the germs. We may look friendly, but do not be fooled, we can make you ill. To make us disappear, wash your hands correctly."

The 12 Most Common Infectious Diseases Preventable by Effective Handwashing

• Shigellosis
• Hepatitis A
• E.coli 0157:H7
• Salmonellosis
• Campylobacteriosis
• Common Cold
• Influenza
• Giardiasis
• Impetigo
• Fifth Disease
• Conjunctivitis (Pink-Eye)
• Enterobiasis (Pinworms)

Handwashing helps prevent lead poisoning in children.

If the microorganisms are on the hands, they can enter your body via food or water, or by placing contaminated hands in the mouth, nose or eyes, or by touching open sores, as in the case of impetigo.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Bureau of Consumer Health
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 330
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 296-5600