Election campaign handshakes can be risky in more ways than one.
Experts are warning that outbreaks of the highly contagious norovirus gastro bug are more common in winter, just as those handshakes go into overdrive all around the country.
"Norovirus outbreaks are common where people are in close spaces, such as when travelling and at community events," says Rachelle Williams, chair of the Food Safety Information Council.
"Once norovirus is contracted, a single infected person can easily spread gastro to many others especially by handshaking.
"In March this year more than 70 people got norovirus at a political event in Nebraska, USA and health authorities attributed its spread to handshaking."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Those on the federal election campaign trail should keep their hands clean by washing them with soap or using hand sanitiser to avoid the risk of catching and spreading it, she advised.
"Norovirus is among the top four known causes of foodborne disease each year."
Recent ANU research found there were an estimated 276,000 cases of norovirus infection on average in Australia each year, leading to 150 hospitalisations and one death.
HOW TO PREVENT INFECTION:
* wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and changing nappies, and before eating, or preparing food
* don't prepare food for others while you have gastroenteritis, or for at least two days after diarrhoea or vomiting stops
* immediately remove and wash clothing or bedding that may be contaminated with diarrhoea or vomit
* after an episode, clean the area with detergent and warm water and then disinfect contaminated surfaces with household bleach diluted to 1000 parts per million (note: bleach may damage soft furnishings)
* people ill with norovirus or suspected viral gastroenteritis should not go to child care, school or work for a minimum of 48 hours after diarrhoea or vomiting stops
* continue thoroughly washing hands even after symptoms have stopped.
SOURCE: Australian Government, Department of Health.
