Types of Bacteria Found In Office Washrooms

Office washrooms, with so many people frequenting them on a daily basis, can be a breeding ground for some of our planet’s nastiest organisms. Too small to see with a naked-eye, it can be easy to lend ourselves to a false sense of security in thinking we cannot be affected by them. That is far from the truth as there are plenty of nasties just waiting to infect you, which is why your office washrooms need to be taken care of with effective hygiene solutions and regular cleaning.

Don’t take my word for it, however. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 77,000 types of bacteria lurking in office washrooms, possibly even yours…

Influenza
I will start with the least likely infection first. Sure, influenza seems to be everywhere around us, and quite frankly it is. The thing that makes this the least dangerous is that influenza bacteria tends to die quite quickly in the open air, meaning that the chance of contracting it from a bathroom stall is fairly limited. Still, it is a possibility which is one good reason to ensure that bathrooms are kept hygienic.

It is a good idea too, after using the bathroom (even after washing your hands) not to touch your mouth, nose and eyes, since these are the channels through which influenza infection sets in.

Streptococcus
Streptococcus is also commonly found in washrooms, and they are not as malignant as influenza. This type of bacteria results in a range of different side effects after infection sets in. In mild cases, you may only experience a bit of a sore throat. In more severe cases, streptococcus can actually attack blood cells and organs, which can prove fatal in some cases.

Norovirus
Norovirus is a type of gastroenteritis and it affects both adults and children. It comes with a number of nasty side-effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever and muscle pains. It is commonly contracted from touching infected surfaces, such as those found in public and office restrooms.

Staphylococcus Aureus
MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus) is a fairly dangerous one, and is responsible for a number of difficult to treat infections in the skin, and can have a range of nasty side-effects. These include inflamed skin that may be warm to the touch, painful, and filled with pus. The infection often comes alongside a high fever as well, making it wholly unpleasant for the sufferer.

Pseudomanas Aeruginosa
Pseudomanas infections typically only infect those who have already got a weak immune system, and as such, is commonly found in a hospital setting. Brought on by bacteria that infects any part of the body, it is most commonly known to infect the skin (folliculitis), ears, eyes, blood (bacteremia) and the lungs (pneumonia).

Pseudomana bacteria generally prefer moist climates, and can be found in abundance in water and on damp surfaces, and is spread, most commonly, through skin contact and unclean equipment in hospitals, kitchens and bathrooms.

Escherichia Coli
Escherichia Coli (more commonly known as E. Coli) is commonly found in the intestines of people and animals, with some species able to cause infections therein due to a toxin that they produce.

It results in a range of symptoms including diarrhoea (with extreme cases leading to blood in the stool), severe abdominal pain and fever. In extreme cases, high levels of toxicity can lead to kidney failure.

E. Coli infections are most commonly caused by improper food handling and processing, coming into contact with contaminated water and surfaces, can be spread by coming into touch with infected individuals or animals.

You can decrease the risk of contracting this infection by avoiding raw, unwashed foods and ensuring that surfaces that are frequently used, are adequately disinfected on a regular basis.

Tips and Tricks for Reducing the Chance of Infection
You can reduce the risk of infections from these complications by instilling a few simple hygiene habits into your daily routine:
• Washing your hands effectively;
• Make use of hand sanitiser around the office, especially in bathrooms and kitchens;
• Deep cleaning on a regular basis;
• Effective and correct use of cleaning chemicals ;
• Colour co-ordinated cleaning equipment to avoid contamination.

Contact Bidvest Steiner for Hygienic Office Washrooms
These are just a few of the 77,00 excellent reasons to ensure that your office washroom is always in pristine condition. This can only be maintained through regular deep cleaning as well as investing in high-quality hygiene solutions.

For further details on how we can ensure that your office washrooms are a safe place for your employees and clients, be sure to contact a representative from Bidvest Steiner today.