Q: Can I catch Ebola from sitting on a toilet seat?

The health questions you asked, answered
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How easy is it to catch Ebola? If you're going travelling or just want to be on the safe side, read on.

Q: Can I catch Ebola from a toilet seat?

A: Ebola paranoia plaguing you? Firstly, don't stress out too much; there’s only been one known case of Ebola in the UK. Moreover, according to Dr Margaret Harris from the World Health Organization, 'there have been no documented cases of Ebola transmission from sitting on a toilet seat.'

Phew! But don’t go straddling that porcelain just yet. The reality is that it’s still very possible to catch it this way if you share a bathroom with a person who has Ebola. Take note: it's not so much the toilet seat that carries the risk – it's the entire bathroom.

'It's the bodily fluids, which can be left on any surfaces that is the issue,' says Harris.


Let's break it down

An Ebola sufferer often experiences heavy diarrhoea and vomiting. These liquids are highly infectious, so touching any surfaces in contact with them, followed by touching your eyes, nose or mouth could transmit the disease.

Be on the safe side

Despite the single case of Ebola in the UK, you should nevertheless exercise caution: close the lid of the toilet before you flush as tiny droplets of mist could splash onto your face, hands and surfaces.

A Leeds University study found that bacteria can travel up to 10 inches above the toilet seat when the lid is open – and then disperse into the air up to 90 minutes later. Then wash your hands thoroughly – but we don't have to tell you that.

Got a burning question? Email us. Or tweet @UKWomensHealth using #ASKWH


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