Sick bug at school under investigation

NHS Orkney and the environmental health and education departments of Orkney Islands Council are investigating a number of cases of vomiting and diarrhoea at Papdale Primary School.

Over the past few days around 80 children have been affected. According to the OIC, the cause of the illness is not yet known but is most likely to be due to norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”.

Dr Louise Wilson, director of public health at NHS Orkney, said: “We know that norovirus is circulating in the community at the moment, and the virus is easily spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Hand washing is important to prevent spread, and people affected should stay away from school or work until free of symptoms for 48 hours.”

Precautions that should be taken by pupils, staff and relatives include:

• Washing hands regularly and thoroughly with hot water and soap, particularly after toilet visits and before eating.
• Staying away from work or school until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.
• Not handling or preparing food for other people until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.