Computer Mice and Keyboards Spread Highly Contagious Virus

Warning, the norovirus, a highly contagious virus which causes food poisoning, epidemic gastroenteritis and stomach flu can spread through computer mice and keyboards.

A norovirus outbreak in an elementary school in Washington DC last February, was reported to have been traced back to a contaminated computer equipment. A computer mouse and keyboard in a first grade classroom were tested positive of the norovirus when samples were taken from different surfaces around the school to find the source of the contamination.

Epidemiologist Shua Chai recommends people of hand washing especially after they use shared objects such as computer keyboards and mice. Computer mice and keyboards should also be disinfected on a regular basis with diluted bleach to eliminate potential viral and bacterial hazards.