KUALA LUMPUR : Your mother always told you to do it, but thanks to a study presented at the 13th International Congress of Infectious Diseases (ICID) held at Kuala Lumpur this week, you'll now know why washing your hands is the first line of defence against a number of highly contagious respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. The study was presented during the 13 International Congress of Infectious Diseases (ICID) held at Kuala Lumpur this week highlighted how easy it is to prevent infectious gastrointestinal, skin and respiratory illness. A study of 1,100 impoverished families in South Africa from 2006-7 revealed that upon being taught the basics of hygiene, there was a reduction of 39.1 per cent in skin infection cases among children between 5-15 years of age as compared to the cases received during 2006. Likewise, the study showed a reduction of 14 per cent in gastrointestinal illness. "Nearly 25 per cent of the deaths occurred due to bad health and hygiene,' said Melissa Hawkley, project administrator, adding that a bar of inexpensive antibacterial soap can make all the difference. "Contaminated hands carry the virus to the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose. Washing hands with water only helps removing physical dirt,' said Dr Eugene Cole, lead investigator from Brigham Young University, USA. Keeping in view the study, experts point that such an educational model could have applications for developing nations like India. "Before the study was conducted, the community had seen sickness and death. Education to mothers and promoting cleaning and sanitisation can help lowering the incidence of diseases,' added Dr Cole.