Last Updated on April 29, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims drinking from a tin can give you Leptospirosis. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False. Leptospirosis is a relatively rare disease, and the risk of contracting it from drinking from contaminated beverage cans is low.
The Claim
A Facebook post warns readers to rinse the soda cans before drinking because they are contaminated with bacteria and can cause diseases such as leptospirosis.
The screenshot of the post is attached below:
Fact Check
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. This disease can cause potentially fatal infections of a number of organs, including the kidney, liver, and brain.
Evidence shows that Leptospirosis can pass from animals to humans through the infected urine of animals. There is evidence that animals can carry leptospirosis and can spread it to humans who have direct contact with infected urine.
Can drinking from a tin can give you bacterial infection?
Not exactly. No evidence confirms that drinking from a tin can cause leptospirosis. But Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animal urine or contaminated water or soil. While it is possible to contract the disease from contaminated beverage cans, it is not a common mode of transmission.
The Facebook post claims that two people were hospitalized and one died after drinking from the tin can, having dried up urine of an animal infected with leptospira bacteria. The post also talks about a study to claim that the top of all beverage cans are more contaminated than public toilets and people can catch leptospirosis from them. No evidence confirms that people should avoid drinking from tin cans to prevent leptospirosis.
Evidence shows that Leptospira survives in a moist environment, so the bacteria would not survive on the sealed dry surface of a tin can.
Leptospira is a genus of bacteria that can cause a disease called leptospirosis, which can be contracted by humans and animals. These bacteria are typically found in soil and water contaminated with the urine of infected animals and can survive for a limited time outside the host.
Based on the evidence that Leptospira survives in moist environments, it is possible that the bacteria could survive on the surface of a tin can if it is moist. However, if the can is sealed and dry, it is less likely that the bacteria could survive for an extended period of time. The evidence also informs that the tin can needs to have holes for the bacteria to survive because most soft drinks are acidic in nature.
Regarding the transmission of leptospirosis through drinking from a tin can, it is possible but highly unlikely unless the can have been previously opened and contaminated with urine or soil containing the bacteria. In general, the risk of contracting leptospirosis from drinking water or beverages is low, and proper sanitation and hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website informs that people can prevent leptospirosis by avoiding contact with animal urine or contaminated water. Other measures are wearing protective clothing, and practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.
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