Children's ball pit play areas contain dozens of killer germs because they 'can go weeks without being cleaned’

Ball pits could contain life-threatening germs because they can go weeks without being cleaned, research has warned.  Nine germs that can have disastrous outcomes, including septicaemia, meningitis and pneumonia, were identified in a study. Ball pits that are often used by autistic children for therapy were investigated. There are no regulations on how often the play areas should be cleaned, researchers said, leading to a growing colonization of bacteria. 'Ball pits are often contaminated with visible dirt, vomit, faeces, or urine providing an origin and permissive environmental factors for microbial contamination. Clinics may go days or even weeks between cleanings, which may allow time for microorganisms to accumulate and grow to levels capable of transmission and infection', said study authors at the University of North Georgia. Researchers, led by physical therapist Dr Mary Ellen Oesterle, visited six ball pits attached to inpatient physical therapy clinics or outpatient clinics across Georgia. Swabs were taken from nine to 15 balls taken from various depths.