Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
At least 76 million people get food related illnesses every year. At least 50 million of these are caused by viruses. Food borne viruses are from poor hand washing. Many of these illnesses can be prevented by proper hand washing at the correct time.

Response:
The Nutrition and Health Field Specialist and the Wapello County 4-H County Youth Coordinator partnered to set up the “Germ City Unit” at the Wapello County Expo. The Germ City program/unit: Clean Hands, Healthy People hand washing program is a science based education program to improve the effectiveness and frequency of hand washing behaviors in adults and children. “The Germ City Unit” is a lightproof, tunnel or tent, equipped with two back lights. A UV light sensitive lotion is applied to hands as “pretend germs.” Participants go through the tunnel to observe the amount of germs on their hands, wash their hands normally and revisit Germ City to assess how well they washed their hands. 4- H leaders and members were trained by Extension staff and were responsible for guiding participants through the hand washing experience. In addition a “If you Pet It, Don't Forget It - Wash Your hands” display emphasized the relationship between hand washing and petting animals thus transferring ecoli bacteria. Approximately 35 leaders and members were involved in carry out of this programming effort.

Impact:
Participants of all ages took part in the activity. Without exception, the 458 individuals who went through the tent had their “hand washing” awareness level raised and remarked on their need to do a better job when washing their hands. Some individuals came back for a second time to see if they had improved their “scrubbing” habits. A parent of 4-H members said, “It was great that we did something like this - everyone learned from this experience.” She said, “I mean it, this was great. We need to do this again next year. The kids just loved it.”

Contact:
Barbara Anderson
101 North Court
Ottumwa, IA 51501
641-682-5491
bjanders@iastate.edu