manchester news
Thursday, 29th September 2005
Outbreak of E.coli at school
Alex Scapens
A PUPIL at Stockport School has contracted the potentially deadly E.coli infection – sparking an anxious wait to see if the bug has spread to other youngsters.
Headteacher Pamela Roberts sent a letter home on Friday warning parents after hearing the schoolboy had been screened and the potent 0157 strain of the disease found.
The boy, who is not being named, had come into contact with E.coli two weeks ago – it is thought in the Stockport area – and medical experts say the incubation period for others to catch it will last until the beginning of next week.
So far no other cases have been recorded at the school, but news has led to more rigorous hygiene procedures being introduced.
And there are now calls for the whole borough to take note of the case at the Mile End Lane school in light of the major outbreak currently gripping South Wales, which is not thought to be connected.
Dr David Baxter, communicable disease control consultant at Stepping Hill Hospital, says the rest of the borough’s schools must not ignore the E.coli issue.
He said: “This reinforces the need for good hygiene and making sure pupils wash their hands properly and schools are kept clean. Lessons can be learned, particularly when you look at the situation in South Wales.
“It will be another five-seven days before we can be reasonably confident there will be no further outbreaks here.”
Procedures
At Stockport School extra signs now encourage pupils to thoroughly wash their hands, new cleaning procedures are underway and food supply is being reviewed.
Mrs Roberts said: "We have been told the pupil came into contact with someone who was infected. This happened locally, but not within the school."
“We thought it was the right thing to send a letter to parents and told them if there are any further cases we will contact them again.
“I am concerned as head of the school but no one has become ill with the symptoms. I’ve spoken to the boy’s parents, he is fine and the other pupils are carrying on as normal and not panicking.”
A Stockport Council spokesman confirmed they would be looking at all schools as a precaution and Environmental Health was working closely with Dr Baxter to investigate the case. As we went to press an officer was on sight running tests.
Anyone displaying the symptoms of E.coli, which include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and blood in stools, should immediately contact their GP.
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