Hundreds of millions of infections could be prevented if health-care professionals, patients and their families, wash their hands with alcohol-based rub or soap and water before and after touching patients and their surroundings, the United Nations health agency today said marking Hand Hygiene Day.

Hand washing is a vital tool in preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause infections and foodborne illness. People can be a significant source of harmful microorganisms. Proper handwashing by food employees is necessary to control direct and indirect contamination of food, utensils, and equipment.