Computer mouse is hotspot for bacteria

FOR those looking for more excuses not to go back to the office, researchers have discovered the workplace hotspots for bacteria and other ‘contaminants’.

A team from the cleaning brand supplier Chicopee swabbed office ‘touch points’ for bacteria, yeast and mould, known collectively as colony-forming units.

The computer mouse was the worst offender, with 11 times more colony-forming units than a toilet seat.

Outside of the desk, the kitchen was found to harbour the most germs, with a kettle and fridge coming out badly. Fear of catching Covid may have you reaching for hand-sanitiser, but sanitiser bottles were also found to harbour high levels of mould spores. The company did not reveal which offices they targeted.