Campus News

Wash hands at fairs, festivals

It’s the time of year for visiting fall festivals and Christmas tree farms. Many of these venues have petting zoos and sell food products, a combination that is a potential health risk if proper hand-washing isn’t included.

Parents and guardians are advised to help keep children safe by following these recommendations from the CDC:

• Visit hand-washing stations at petting zoos, festival locations and farms. Make sure children wash their hands right after petting animals or touching pens, cages, etc., where animals are housed.
• Wash hands before touching food or drinking, before preparing food or drinks and after removing soiled clothing or shoes after visiting farms or petting zoos.
• Keep food and drinks out of areas where animals are held.
• Do not eat or drink raw, unpasteurized juices, cider, milk or cheeses.
• Constantly supervise children younger than age 5 while in animal-holding areas.
• Do not allow children to put thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects in their mouths while in the animal areas.
• Do not take strollers, bottles, pacifiers, cups or toys into animal areas.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/features/animalexhibits/.