Somerset School Closes Doors Amid Norovirus Outbreak
Danesfield CoE Middle school in โคSomerset has been temporarily closed following a confirmed outbreak of norovirus among students and staff. The school announced โขitโข will remain shut on friday, November 28, to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection, with studentsโ continuing their education remotely.
Norovirus, commonly known asโ the winter vomitingโฃ bug, is a highly contagious stomach bugโข causing vomiting and diarrhoea. According to the NHS, symptoms โขappear suddenly and can also include a highโฃ temperature,โค body aches, and headaches.
A letter from the school, โคreportedโ by Somerset Live, โstated the decision was made “to protect the health and wellbeing of our school community and to โprevent โขfurther spread of theโ virus.” The โschool is following guidance to ensure a deep clean before reopening.
Parents and carers have โbeen advised to keep children home โif they exhibit โขsymptoms and to adhere to โa 48-hour symptom-free periodโค before returning to โขschool. the school requests notification if a child isโ hospitalizedโ with diarrhoea and vomiting, experiences blood in theirโ stool,โ or โis asked toโข provide a stool sampleโ by a medical professional.
“The safety and wellbeing of ourโ pupils and staff is our top priority,” the school โคletter read. “Closing the school will allow us to carry out a deep clean and break โคthe chain ofโ infection. We appreciate the support and understanding of our parents โขand the wider community during this time.”
Somerset Council confirmed that diarrhoea and vomiting viruses, including norovirus, are currently circulating. Aโค spokesperson stated that โwhile these infections are unpleasant, they are typically โself-limiting, โขand hygiene measuresโ like โhandwashing andโฃ disinfecting surfaces can help limit โspread. Children should remainโค home for 48 hours after symptomsโ subside before returning to school. “We wish everyone a swift recovery from thisโข unpleasant โฃillness,” the council added.