HANDWASHING GONE WRONG By Halima Shehu

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves from germs and other harmful particles in our environment. But it must be done meticulously, with the right techniques. 

A friend sent this message to me yesterday and she asked me to share it. It's long but, kindly read till the end, please: "Few days ago, I was about taking dinner when I noticed that the poison I laid as trap for the pests and rodents in the kitchen is changing to green (powder form). 

I was convinced it won't be effective again since the colour had changed. I decided to clean it off the surface where I sprinkled it which I did and washed my hands afterwards. Having been sure of putting things in place in the kitchen, I went ahead to devour my dinner! 

The strange feeling started in the midnight, I was feeling nauseous and I was bloated up. I didn't know what I got myself into until in the early hours of the morning I started vomiting everything in my bowel and was running stool at the same time!... My sister, the rest is story, it got to a point I couldn't stand erect again, I've lost a considerable amount of fluid, the stool was so watery that it was discharging itself non-stop... I later noticed some particles of the poison around the tap faucet; the same tap I used in washing my hands... I guess the particles were on the tap when I was closing it after washing my hands of course! 

Only Go saved me, a sister who was with me called a nurse who told her to get and administer ORS after which I gained a bit strength and was able to go for treatment. I'm telling this story not to draw sympathy (is welcomed of course ) but to create awareness and to inform other ummuat on safety precautions when it gets to controlling pests and rodents. AlhamduliLlaah, I'm stable now..."

Below are the recommendations I gave to my friend:

*After washing your hands, while the water is still running, pour some soap and water on the tap and make sure it is clean before you use your (cleaned) hand to close it. Then wipe it dry with tissue 

*Or, when you want to open the tap, use your elbow rather than the dirty hand

*Or, use a tissue paper to handle the tap when opening, and dispose properly. 

*Opt for safer alternatives for controlling pests other than poisons, eg. rat gum.

In addition, the best way to control pests in your home is by maintaining a clean environment. Garbage should be disposed properly. Bushes should be cleared. 

Declutter your kitchen, pantry and other stuffed areas around the house that can serve as hideouts for pests.

Make handwashing a habit: before and after eating, after touching garbage, after coughing or sneezing, after using the toilet and first thing when you enter the house (before touching anything). Carry hand sanitizers everywhere you go and remember to rub it in your hands before you put anything in your mouth.

As we all know, prevention is always better than cure.