Preschool and school children affected by outbreak
Letter have been sent to parents in the Woking and Guildford areas as a number of preschool age children have been stricken by Shigellosis, according to a recent report on the Mirror website.
Danya Bazaraa has written that there have been seventeen confirmed cases of the illness, which “most commonly manifests in schools”. It is highly infectious with symptoms including a high temperature, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Letters have been sent out to parents by Public Health England South East, which provide information regarding what to do if Shigellosis is contracted and how best to reduce the spread of the infection.
Hand washing with soap and water
The article quotes a Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for PHE South East, Dr Kevin Carroll, as saying
“As with so many infections, the best way to avoid catching shigella or passing it to others is by washing your hands very regularly and carefully with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies and before eating or preparing food.“
Frequent hand washing
The Daily Star website has also picked up on the outbreak and focuses on the need to undertake frequent as well as effective hand washing.
“There is also a drive for children and adults to be reminded that they should wash their hands with soap and hot water throughout the day, not just after going to the toilet.”
The NHS Choices website advises the importance of effective hand washing techniques during outbreaks of various types of dysentery.
“Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet.”
Portable sinks designed with children in mind
Hand washing is the most important lesson a child can learn and acquiring it is an essential lifelong skill.
A Kiddiwash Xtra or KiddiSynk portable hand washing sink can be positioned right next to the sand pit – helping to ensure that children dramatically reduce the risk of infection as they finish play.
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
