New research from the World Health Organisation suggests the Covid-19 virus could spread through human stool, calling for fresh warnings to step up hand hygiene efforts.<br/> Of the more than 100,000 cases recorded so far, the majority of patients contracted the disease when an infected person spread viral droplets through coughing and sneezing.<br/> However, a WHO report confirmed that previous tests found the virus to be present in stool samples, meaning transmission through this route was possible.<br/> The research stated that "faecal shedding" had been demonstrated from some patients in China, and viable virus – one that has the potential for transmission - had been identified in a "limited number of case reports". <br/> The WHO said the risk of catching Covid-19 from the stool of an infected person "appears to be low", but should not be ignored.<br/> "While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in faeces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak," the report said.<br/> "Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly after using the bathroom and before eating." <br/> WHO said the "faecal-oral route" does not appear to be a driver of Covid-19 outbreak. However, research into its role and significance would continue to be investigated.<br/> "WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways [the virus] is spread and will continue to share new findings," it said. Earlier this week, Dr Hend Al Awadhi from the Dubai Heath Authority, said regular hand-washing was one of the main preventative measures in containing the spread of Covid-19.<br/> She said adults and children should spend about 20 seconds scrubbing their hands, being sure to get in between the fingers and under the nails.<br/> According to official WHO advice, washing your hands with "warm soap and water or using hand sanitisers" would help kill viruses that may be present on an individual's hands.<br/> It also advises people to maintain at least a one metre distance between anyone who is coughing or sneezing.<br/> Over the past few weeks, the UAE has introduced a number of precautionary measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.<br/> Additional hand sanitiser stations have been fitted across largely populated areas including airports, malls and offices.<br/> At Dubai airports and seaports, mandatory health screenings have been introduced for all passengers arriving to the emirate too. <br/> On Thursday, the number of reported cases in the UAE reached 29, after a 17-year-old pupil was diagnosed with the virus.
