Almost 2 million people around the world die every year because of diarrheal diseases caused by the intake of contaminated water or food, according to statistics released by the World Health Organization.
WHO added that around 88% of the cases are caused by inadequate sanitation, contaminated water supplies and improper hygiene.
Even though children below 5 years old are affected mostly by the disease, adults were also warned by experts to take extra precaution, as incorrect sanitation of the kitchen could increase the chances of contracting the disease.
The WHO added that cases could be reduced by almost 35% by proper washing of the hands with a required minimum of 20 seconds.
Proper storage of food can also minimize cases of diarrhea, experts said further. Leftovers and unused ingredients must be refrigerated. Low temperature stops the multiplication of bacteria.
E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella are example of bacteria that possibly cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases.
Keeping up kitchen cleanliness can also help to avoid diseases, experts added. Hygiene interventions by means of education and hand washing promotion could decrease cases of diarrhea by about 45%, WHO stated.