Doc raises alarm over virus that hit St Modan’s
Efforts to prevent winter vomiting bug
Awareness sessions on how to prevent a sickness bug which hit dozens of pupils at a Stirling school last month are being held at hospitals.
Members of the NHS Forth Valley infection prevention and control team will be available to answer questions on Norovirus and how to stop its spread when they hold the series of events.
Around 150 pupils and staff at St Modan’s were struck by the sickness and diarrhoea bug in September.
The school remained open throughout the outbreak but underwent extensive cleaning in a bid to limit spread.
While unpleasant, norovirus is relatively common and short lived within the general population.
However, it can be more dangerous to those who are already ill or vulnerable, particularly people in hospital.
Over the next few weeks there will be information stands in hospitals across the area, stressing why it is important not to bring the bug into healthcare settings.
Recent figures published by Health Protection Scotland show that five health boards outwith Forth Valley have already experienced cases of Norovirus this year.
Trisha Miller, NHS FV’s lead nurse for infection prevention and control, said: “Norovirus is a common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting especially during the winter months.
“The key message is that anyone with symptoms should stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared to avoid spreading it further.
“Washing your hands regularly with soap and water and using separate towels will also help prevent you from passing the virus onto others.”
NHS FV director of public health, Dr Graham Foster added: “All wards in the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital have isolation rooms to help control this type of infection.
“Similar campaigns over the last few years have proved highly successful and resulted in reduced numbers of Norovirus outbreaks, and fewer wards being closed to admission in Forth Valley hospitals.
“However, there is no room for complacency, and we hope, with public support, that Norovirus can be further reduced this year.”