Brits warned over ‘airborne poo’ that would spark virus outbreaks and even dying

A doctor issued a stark warning to those who have been exposed to ‘explosive’ poo – following North Korea’s supposed excrement-filled balloons.

Unless you’re in South Korea, and specifically on the border areas of Gangwon and Gyeonggi, you’re most likely safe from the 260 apparently poo-filled balloons recently flown over by Kim Jon-Un.

With reports claiming that the carriers contained ‘explosives’ designed to make the poo packages pop – it got us at the Daily Star thinking…

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What would happen if us Brits happened to get invaded by flying poo bags?

But we don’t need North Korea’s dump deliveries to be worried about airborne faecal matter – as our own explosive droppings might just be as hazardous.

Dr. Lawrence Cunningham revealed: “In my experience, airborne faecal matter is a more common health hazard than many might expect.

“It typically becomes airborne through aerosolization, which can occur during flushing or in situations with ‘explosive’ diarrhoea. These microscopic particles can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

“For me, the importance of proper ventilation in bathrooms and toilets cannot be overstressed. Ensuring effective exhaust systems or keeping windows open can significantly mitigate the risk of airborne faecal matter.

“Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in these areas are crucial to prevent the settling and subsequent resuspension of harmful particles.”

The health expert, from the mental health and financial wellbeing company Financial Education, mentioned that the ‘explosive’ type of poo is the most dangerous of movements – whether that be from a dodgy gut or dropping balloons.

It turns out that the force enables the poo particles to spread further than they would usually do, making it easier for nasty bacteria and viruses to have a field day.

“‘Explosive’ bowel movements, characterised by violent ejection of stool, can be particularly hazardous,” Dr. Lawrence explained.

He continued: “I have seen cases where such scenarios led to rapid outbreaks of illnesses like norovirus.

“The forceful nature of ‘explosive’ diarrhoea means that bacteria and viruses are spread over a wider area, increasing the likelihood of surface contamination and subsequent human contact.”

To some, poo – including the explosive kind – may seem like a laughing matter and not a serious topic.

And although becoming unwell from faecal matter is not uncommon, dying from contamination is a rarity.

But, that doesn’t mean that a grizzly death from some very extreme cases of poo exposure are not off the table.

Dr. Lawrence warned: “While it may sound extreme, exposure to faecal matter can indeed be fatal in certain, but extremely rare, circumstances.

“The key risk comes from the pathogens that faeces can carry, such as E. coli, rotavirus, and hepatitis A. These organisms can cause severe infections, which, if left untreated, might lead to life-threatening conditions.”

So if you happen to be walking on the South Korea border or find yourself with your own explosive toilet experience (or another’s), the doctor urges that you’ll want to make sure you get properly cleaned up.

And that means more than having a quick scrub in the shower. Once your body has become exposed to another’s poo you must remove any contaminated clothing immediately, warns Dr. Lawrence.

The expert shared: “Getting another person’s faeces on yourself necessitates more than just a simple shower.

“In my experience, the immediate response should involve removing any contaminated clothing and thoroughly washing the affected skin area with soap and water.

“It is crucial to avoid touching your face or any other body parts before adequately cleaning your hands.

“This helps to prevent the spread of any potential pathogens to the mouth or eyes, where they can enter the body more easily.”