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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Update: follow-up study showing post-pandemic decline in hand sanitiser use, New Zealand, December 2009
1Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
Abstract:
This study aimed to measure rates of hand sanitiser use in a hospital entrance foyer four months after a baseline study during New Zealand s influenza pandemic. Of the 743 people observed over one (summer) day in December 2009, 8.2% used the hand sanitiser, which was significantly lower (p<0.0001) than the 18.0% reported in the August (winter) study. Health authorities may need to intensify promotion of hand hygiene to reduce the impact of future influenza pandemic waves.
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