55 kids hit by sick bug

Vomiting outbreak at school

A sickness bug swept through a Coatbridge primary school last week, with more than 50 pupils – almost half the roll – and several members of staff struck down by the outbreak.

In total 55 children – including some nursery youngsters – and seven staff at Old Monkland Primary were affected, with North Lanarkshire Council notifying the public health authority as an “advisory measure.”

That number had reduced by more than half yesterday, when kids returned after an inservice day – with 17 pupils and one staff member absent.

A source had told the Advertiser there were concerns over “discoloured tap water” at the school.

She said: “My daughter fell ill on Wednesday and the day before told me that the tap water was a brownish colour.”

The woman added: “It seems that all the pupils and teachers have the same symptoms – severe vomiting, a burning throat and diarrhoea.”

However, North Lanarkshire Council dismissed those claims and confirmed that a “vomiting bug” was to blame for the illness, much to the relief of parents.

One woman, whose child returned to school yesterday, said: “My daughter was really quite unwell for a few days but thankfully it’s passed now.

“I did think it was just a winter bug and I’m pleased the school aren’t at fault.

“It’s a shame for all the kids and teachers that it spread to so many of them but unfortunately that can happen at this time of year.”

Another parent added: “My son was being sick constantly for a couple of days at the end of last week. It was nasty for him but I wasn’t blaming the school for it; it’s so easy for bugs like that to spread.”

Another parent added: “I did worry at first because of the sheer number of kids that were affected by it and I saw some stuff on Facebook about discoloured water.

“But thankfully my daughter is over it now and I’ve no concerns about bringing her back to school.”

A council spokesperson said: “Old Monkland Primary School had been affected by a sickness outbreak, with 55 children and seven staff not at school on Friday, November 17.

“In addition, four children in the nursery were also off ill.

“The council notified the public health service at NHS Lanarkshire as an advisory measure.

“In line with general guidance, the school asked parents to keep affected pupils off school for 48 hours after they are free of symptoms, to avoid further spread of any infection.”