A medical doctor has warned members of the public against using mobile phones while in the toilet, describing the habit as highly unhygienic and potentially dangerous to health.
According to the Zambia Daily Mail, Central Province Medical Director Dr. Elijah Mutoloki said many people are unknowingly exposing themselves to harmful bacteria by using their phones in toilets.
Dr. Mutoloki explained that although mobile phones are important communication tools, they can easily become carriers of germs if handled in unsanitary environments such as toilets.
He said toilets are breeding grounds for bacteria, and using a phone while there increases the risk of contamination, which can later lead to infections when the same phone is used repeatedly without being cleaned.
Dr. Mutoloki emphasized that people should avoid compromising their health through habits that seem harmless but can have serious medical consequences.
He further urged citizens to always wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet, or use hand sanitisers, noting that these measures are medically recommended and help reduce the spread of infections.
He also advised that mobile phones should be sanitised regularly, as they can easily collect germs and become a hidden source of illness.
“If possible, even a phone should be sanitised because it can be a source of infection,” he said.
The doctor’s warning comes amid increasing health concerns over hygiene practices, especially in a time when people frequently handle phones throughout the day.
