Dear Parents/ Carers,

I am writing to inform you that a number of pupils are off school with diarrhoea and vomiting consistent with viral gastroenteritis (e.g. Norovirus).

Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, headache and fever.  The condition usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours.

Viral gastroenteritis is very infectious. If your child develops these symptoms, and to prevent further cases in school, we would ask you to keep your child at home for at least 48 hours after their last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting. This is national guidance supported by Public Health England and our local Health Protection Nurses. 

There is no specific treatment for viral gastroenteritis. If your child has symptoms it is important to encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Ensure all your family and visitors to your home wash their hands with soap (preferably liquid soap) and water to help prevent the spread of infection, particularly after using the toilet and before handling or eating food.

If you are concerned about your child or symptoms do not seem to be settling after 48 hours, please telephone your GP or NHS Direct on 111.

More information about diarrhoea and vomiting is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/

Yours sincerely

Miss M Michael

Head Teacher