09.02.2015

Bentley High Street Primary Reopened Today Following Deep Clean

Bentley High Street Primary School in Doncaster closed last Thursday for “deep cleaning” after a suspected outbreak of norovirus.

Around 60 children fell ill with symptoms of norovirus and the South Yorkshire Health Protection Team of Public Health England (PHE) were brought into the school to advise on preventing the spread of the outbreak.

The school reopened today (9 February) after a deep clean was carried out.

Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea amongst other symptoms.

Dr Nachi Arunachalam from PHE said the organisation has worked with Doncaster Council and the school on the implementation of control measures and cleaning to prevent the further spread of the illness, which can be extremely dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly.

Expert Opinion

Illnesses such as norovirus can spread extremely quickly in environments like schools and hospitals and can result in victims suffering from long-term health problems. We welcome the quick decision by PHE, the school and the local council to close the school and carry out a deep clean. <br/> <br/>"With 60 children thought to be affected by the outbreak there will be a large number of parents who will understandably be looking for answers regarding the illness and what may have caused it. They will also be looking for reassurances as the school reopens that the issue has been resolved and that measures have been put in place to minimise the risk of an outbreak of this nature happening again. <br/> <br/>“Through our work in acting for thousands of people who have become ill through illness outbreaks both in the UK and abroad, we have seen first-hand the long-lasting impact norovirus can have on those unfortunate enough to contract the virus and we hope that the children affected do not suffer long-term problems.” Amandeep Dhillon - Partner