Vomiting bug sweeps primary school

Wednesday 29 January 2020

A reception classroom has been closed and "infection control" measures put in place at a local primary school after a vomiting bug suspected to be Norovirus hit pupils and teachers.

Grouille Primary School is now undergoing a programme of deep cleaning.

Head Teacher Nichola Turner wrote to parents and guardians via email shortly after 13:20 this afternoon to warn them of the outbreak.

She explained that the bug started on Monday evening, with most children "starting with a headache and then vomiting".

Pictured: A screenshot of the email message. Click to enlarge.

In a statement, a government spokesperson confirmed that "more than half" of the Reception children were off sick, as well as a "small number" of adults.

They added: "The school has been working closely with Infection Control and is asking parents to keep children at home if they are showing signs of having contracted the illness."

The bug has not yet been confirmed as Norovirus, but parents and caregivers have nonetheless been urged to follow guidelines for dealing with the illness, such as keeping children off school for at least 48 hours to prevent further spread of infection. 

More information about infection prevention can be found by clicking here.