Clean Hands Count to Fight Drug Resistance

World Hand Hygiene Day is today—get ready to fight drug resistance.

Keeping our hands clean is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infections. This year’s World Hand Hygiene Day theme is “Fight Antibiotic Resistance—It’s in Your Hands.”

We all know about the growing threat of drug resistance, and have seen the headlines about superbugs and nightmare bacteria.

Unfortunately, this threat is very real. Resistant bacteria cause more than 2 million infections each year in the U.S. and, as a result, more than 23,000 people die.

It’s critical that we work to contain these drug-resistant bacteria and stop spread of infections.

Our clean hands count—now more than ever.

SPOTLIGHT ON SHIGELLA: Clean Hands Prevent Serious InfectionsDid you know that washing hands carefully with soap during key times, such as before eating and after changing a diaper, can help stop the spread of resistant Shigella—which can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps? Keeping your hands clean is critical to prevent drug-resistant Shigella infections because these infections can be harder to treat and cause more severe illnesses. Prevent the spread of Shigella and other resistant germs by following these five key handwashing steps. Learn more about how to protect yourself and your family from Shigella infection.

Spread the word about clean hands and prevent the spread of infections:
1	Watch and share the new Clean Hands Count video on Friday.
2	Order free Clean Hands Count print materials, including stickers, brochures, and posters.
3	Spread the word about why #CleanHandsCount for safe healthcare.
Learn more about how CDC is fighting drug resistance: www.cdc.gov/drugresistance