Or rabbits, ducklings, lambs or any other pet farm animals…
It is essential that all young children are taught to wash their hands effectively with soap and water – it’s been described as “the most important lesson a child can learn”. And these skills should very much be utilised whenever kids spend time with live Easter chicks and other animals, according to a recent stark warning on the Forbes website.
The article by Tara Haelle refers to the widespread practice of presenting children with live Easter chicks, not realising that they carry in many cases Salmonella – which can easily be passed on to the kids. Ms Haelle’s article focusses on the US, where the bacterial illness causes 1.2 million outbreaks every year, with 23,000 people needing hospital treatment for the illness, which also causes around 450 deaths in the same period.
Hand washing is vitally important according to the article. Hand sanitisers are not really suitable: an effective soap and water hand wash is far more effective.
“Make sure children wash their hands before and after touching, petting or handling chicks (or bunnies or ducklings). Have some hand sanitizer on hand so that the child can use it immediately after touching the animal if there’s a possibility the child will put their hand near their mouth before you get to a sink for hand-washing.“
The Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) also warns about the vital role hand washing has to play when it comes to Salmonella control.
“Live poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, often carry germs such as Salmonella. After you touch a bird, or anything in the area where birds live and roam, wash your hands so you don’t get sick!”
Got Chicks For Kids? Watch Out For Salmonella! »
Mobile handwashing for children – whether it’s indoors or out!
Hand washing is the most important lesson a child can learn and acquiring it is an essential lifelong skill. A Kiddiwash Xtra or KiddiSynk portable hand washing sink can be positioned right next to the sand pit – helping to ensure that children dramatically reduce the risk of infection as they finish play.
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands inside or out.
