Are Currency Notes Carrying Harmful Microbes? Risks and Precautions

Abstract

Currency notes pass through many hands and may become contaminated with bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Studies from different countries have identified organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and other bacteria on circulating money. A common habit of touching the tongue or lips before separating notes may increase the opportunity for microbial transfer between the mouth, fingers, and currency. However, finding microorganisms on money does not by itself prove that routine cash handling directly causes infection. This short review explains the evidence on microbial contamination of currency, the role of hands and saliva, situations in which contamination may be more important, and the relevance of safe cash handling for nurses and other healthcare workers. It also presents ten practical precautions that can be used in hospitals, community health settings, food-service areas, banks, shops, and homes. The main public-health message is simple: currency should be handled normally but hygienically, saliva should not be used while counting notes, and hands should be cleaned at appropriate times, especially before eating, preparing food, touching the face, or returning to patient care.

How to cite this article:
Saini A. Are Currency Notes Carrying Harmful
Microbes? Risks and Precautions. J Surg Nurs
Allied Health Sci. 2026;2(2): 1-6.