School shuts as 130 pupils are hit by sickness bug and cramps

A PRIMARY school was forced to close yesterday after 130 pupils – almost two-thirds of the school roll – were reported to be suffering from sickness and stomach cramps.

Last night officials from Moray Council and communicable disease experts at NHS Grampian were carrying out a detailed investigation to identify the potential source of the outbreak at Milne's Primary in Fochabers.

A spokesman for the council said that some 60 of the school's 216 pupils had originally been kept off school due to illness.

But by yesterday 130 children and three members of staff were reported to have been hit by the infection. None of the children or members of staff has had to be hospitalised as a result of illness.

The council spokesman said: "Education chiefs have decided to close the school for the Easter holidays a day early. Although the source of the outbreak has not been identified, during the break the school will undergo a deep clean to ensure no further infection occurs."

He added: "No children or staff have been hospitalised as a result of the outbreak. Investigations are under way. The Communicable Disease unit in NHS Grampian have been working with Moray Council to provide support to parents and staff affected."

A spokesman for the health authority said: "NHS Grampian can confirm that the Health Protection Team and Moray Council Education Department are currently investigating a report of cases of vomiting and stomach cramps amongst children in Milne's Primary School, Fochabers, and the associated nursery.

"At this time of the year it is common for viral infections to cause these symptoms.

"All parents have been sent a letter advising of simple measures that can be taken to help prevent the spread of infection at school and in the home."

He added: "All necessary control measures have been put in place."