“Winter vomiting bug” outbreaks at schools in the UK
With winter fast approaching, the incidents of norovirus outbreaks has begun its seasonal rise – as evidenced by recent suspected outbreaks at schools in Yorkshire and Hampshire.
Effective hand washing techniques must be taught to younger children in order to help minimise the spread of the illness. NHS Norwich Clinical Commissioning Group advises in its article Norovirus protection for children with good hand hygiene,
“The best way to wash hands is with soap and warm water, paying attention to fingers, thumbs, under nails and wrists.”
Norovirus in Hampshire
Around 45 children have been affected at Marchwood Junior School, according to a report on the Daily Echo website. The Hampshire School closed for deep cleaning as a result.
The article quotes Jill Morris, Consultant in Communicable Diseases at Public Health England South East who advised on the importance of “traditional” hand washing techniques.
“It is vital to wash hands thoroughly using liquid soap and warm running water after using the toilet, before and after handling food and after contact with any animals and pets.”
Suspected outbreak in Yorkshire
Meanwhile, Delius Special School in Bradford was also closed for deep cleaning after an outbreak which is “suspected but not confirmed norovirus”, according to the Telegraph and Argus website.
The report mentions advice from chief operating officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Stacey Hunter, who is quoted as saying
“Wash your hands regularly if you’re ill to reduce your risk of passing it on.”
Suspected Norovirus outbreak at Marchwood Junior School »
Delius Special School closed due to suspected norovirus outbreak »
Teach hand washing to children – both indoors and out!
Hand washing is the most important lesson a child can learn and acquiring it is an essential lifelong skill – particularly against norovirus.
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.
