WHEREAS, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, hand washing is the single most important action that one can take to prevent the onset of illness;

WHEREAS improper hand washing is the most prevalent cause for food borne illness and can lead to product recall with serious economic impact on the State;

WHEREAS, the lack of or improper hand washing still contributes significantly to disease transmission such as seasonal influenza and colds; while we are all potentially at risk of contacting hand-transmitted illnesses, one-third of our population is especially vulnerable, including pregnant women, children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems; and

WHEREAS, the need for all individuals, as a public health imperative to routinely wash their hands everyday transcends all ages and demographic categories; and

WHEREAS, contagious viruses are responsible for 25 million school days lost each year, and more work days, yet the simple act of hand washing can dramatically reduce the spread of infection and the number of sick days; and

WHEREAS, the role of hand washing in Nevada has been overlooked and undervalued in controlling outbreaks such as Norovirus and E-Coli which have plagued our state; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada needs to take action to remind all its citizens and visitors of the importance of practicing this simple, but essential component of health;

THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim September 2008, as
 

CLEAN HANDS MONTH