THE cause as to why a primary school in Malvern was forced to partly close has been revealed by a UK health protection agency.

Great Malvern Primary School shut its doors to four year groups last Wednesday after a high number of pupils and staff were affected by a sudden health outbreak.

Children in reception to year three were sent home following the escalation of the outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has supported the school and overseen the incident.

Its West Midlands Health Protection Team was notified of a number of cases of sickness and diarrhoea among pupils and members of staff.

It has now confirmed that the symptoms displayed are consistent with the sickness bug norovirus.

Steve Barlow, UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Consultant said: “We have been liaising with the school to provide advice, following cases of sickness and diarrhoea affecting a number of pupils from all year groups and some staff.

"Thankfully, there are no cases of serious illness and symptoms appear to be short-lived.

"We are still seeing a lot of cases of the winter sickness bug norovirus across the country, including in the West Midlands region – and the symptoms of those affected at the school are consistent with this infection."

The UKHSA said parents and staff have all been given advice on hand hygiene, cleaning and remaining away from school until properly well.

Anyone who experiences any symptoms such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not attend work or school until they have shown no symptoms for 48 hours. 

Following a bout of illness, any affected areas should be thoroughly cleaned with bleach-based solution and laundry should be put on a hot wash.

Mr Barlow added: “The school has been taking appropriate measures to reduce risk of transmission, including enhanced cleaning with an approved bleach-based product, especially of touch points and communal areas.

"A thorough deep clean of the premises has now been carried out.”

There has been no update from Great Malvern Primary School as to when it will re-open.

Malvern Gazette has contacted Great Malvern Primary School but has been unable to receive a response.

For more information contact UKHSA West Midlands press office on 0121 232 9223/4 Out Of Hours 07834 311 393.

National guidance for Health protection in children and young people settings, including education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) is available online.