Norovirus increase prompts Public Health Wales warning
Schools and nurseries will be opening soon after the recent break. But already there’s a potential challenge facing such facilities – which has prompted a reminder of the importance of teaching hand washing to younger children, according to a recent report on the Deeside.com website.
The winter season always brings with it a concentration of associated illnesses – but one in particular is causing increasing amounts of concern, according to the article. It’s norovirus, a very unpleasant virus that is sometimes aptly referred to as the “winter vomiting bug”.
With cases being 42% higher between September and the end of December compared to the same period of the year before, a warning was issued by the Deputy Director in Health Protection for Public Health Wales. Wendi Shepherd was quoted in the article expressing concern at the apparent spread of norovirus, described as an “uptick in cases this winter compared with last year.”
Why soap and water washing is essential
Children should stay at home for a period of 48 hours after the cessation of symptoms said Ms Shepard, who went on to emphasise the importance of hand washing in fighting the illness. And importantly she cautioned against any reliance on hand sanitisers, which do not really help against the prevention of the illness.
“Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet or preparing food, and remember that hand sanitiser is ineffective against norovirus.”
Hand washing is also particularly helpful, says the report, providing protection against “other seasonal viruses, including flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which are also circulating this winter.”
Norovirus cases rise in Wales: Parents urged to stay vigilant as children head back to school »
Preschool children learning how to wash with a mobile KiddiSynk unit
Mobile hand wash units for children can be used indoors and out
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.
