THE END of term has come not a moment too soon for parents who were concerned about their children's health after a mystery outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting among primary one-to-three classes at Timmergreens School.
It was last Tuesday evening that a number of the younger pupils first showed symptoms of gastro-intestinal infection. Some still displayed symptoms a week later, and others are reported to have suffered a second attack.
In at least one instance, t
he ailment was passed to parents and older children.
NHS Tayside have been investigating the outbreak, and have obtained samples for analysis from a number of sufferers.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council updated the Herald on the situation: "There were 58 pupils in P1-3 at Timmergreens Primary school affected by illness on Wednesday, June 17, and three more pupils affected on Thursday 18. No pupils were reported as affected on Friday 19.
"By Wednesday, June 24, many pupils were returning to school but a number of older siblings have been affected by the virus and are now off school. This is a significantly smaller number than was affecting the infant department.
"Letters informing the parents of the situation were sent out from school with the pupils on Wednesday and Thursday last week."
NHS Tayside Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Christopher McGuigan said: "NHS Tayside's Health Protection Team and Angus Council Environmental Health Department are continuing to investigate the gastro-intestinal illness among children at Timmergreens Primary School.
"As is the case when dealing with any gastro-intestinal illness, we would advise parents whose children are showing any symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting to keep them away from school until 48 hours after their last symptoms.
"We would also remind parents that strict hand hygiene is extremely important and the best way to prevent the spread of infection.
"If parents have concerns they should contact their GP or NHS24 on 08454 24 24 24."
