The top three mistakes families make after a major poop event

After a major poop event—whether it’s a messy diaper blowout, an unexpected accident, or dealing with illness-related diarrhea—families often make some common mistakes that can lead to bigger problems. Here are the top three mistakes families tend to make and how to avoid them.

## 1. Not Washing Hands Thoroughly

One of the biggest errors is skipping proper handwashing after cleaning up poop. It might seem like a small step, but failing to wash hands well with soap and water can spread harmful germs like norovirus or bacteria that cause food poisoning[2][3]. These germs can linger on surfaces and get passed around easily if hands aren’t cleaned properly.

**What to do:** Always wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water after any contact with feces or contaminated materials. This simple step helps stop viruses and bacteria from spreading within your home[2].

## 2. Neglecting Proper Cleaning of Surfaces

Another mistake is not cleaning contaminated surfaces correctly after a poop incident. Poop can carry infectious agents that survive on countertops, toys, bathroom fixtures, and other household items for days or even months[2]. If these areas aren’t disinfected properly, everyone in the family remains at risk.

**What to do:** Use appropriate disinfectants on all affected surfaces right away. Clean chopping boards, utensils, bathroom handles—anything touched during cleanup—with hot soapy water followed by a disinfectant recommended for killing viruses like norovirus[2]. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cloths or disposable wipes.

## 3. Ignoring Signs of Illness After Exposure

Families sometimes overlook symptoms that indicate someone may be getting sick from exposure during cleanup or from poor hygiene afterward. Symptoms such as diarrhea lasting more than two days, vomiting frequently, high fever, severe abdominal pain, dehydration signs (like dizziness or dry mouth), should never be ignored[4].

**What to do:** Monitor everyone closely after such events for any signs of gastrointestinal illness caused by viruses (like norovirus) or bacteria (such as Aeromonas). Seek medical care promptly if symptoms worsen or dehydration occurs because untreated dehydration can become dangerous quickly[4][5].

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In summary: After dealing with any major poop event in your family,

– Wash hands carefully every time.
– Clean all contaminated surfaces thoroughly.
– Watch out for illness symptoms and act fast if they appear.

These steps help keep your home safe and prevent nasty infections from spreading among loved ones.