Posted by Jemele Hill

JOHANNESBURG -- Apparently, vuvuzelas aren't as harmless as they look.

According to the latest warnings issued by medical professionals, they can spread disease and cause permanent hearing loss. Though none of us should be surprised by the latter.

Several doctors have issued warnings to horn lovers about sharing their vuvuzelas with one another, which medical professionals say is a surefire way to spread germs.

Dr. Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinic, a South Africa-based national agency, said, "A fan instrument such as the vuvuzela can blow spittle and germs from infected individuals on to other people in crowded areas and may be a health risk for infectious diseases such as flu."

Ewww.

Vincent's cautionary advice came after it was reported that a woman in Cape Town ruptured her throat blowing a vuvuzela.

It's not like this is the first time vuvuzela lovers have been warned about health concerns related to the plastic horns. Before the World Cup began, Hear The World, a nonprofit organization created by hearing aid company Phonak AG, also released information informing horn tooters about the damage that could potentially be done to your hearing. According to Hear The World, the vuvuzela produces as many as 127 decibels, which is louder than a lawn mower and a chain saw. Anything over 100 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage in 15 minutes, the organization said.

And just so American fans know, it wasn't just the vuvuzela that Hear the World singled out as among the most damaging instruments fans can use while showing support. ThunderStix and cowbells emit sounds that are well into the danger zone of causing hearing loss.