‘Worm’ find sparks health alert at sixth form college
STUDENTS at a sixth form college have had to be told to wash their hands following toilet trips after a ‘worm usually found in human faeces’ was spotted near a drinking fountain.
Bosses at Marple Sixth Form College in Stockport called in United Utilities to check the water supply following the discovery.
The supply - and the fountain itself - were given the all clear.
Assistant principal Ryan Jones told the Express: “A small worm which is usually found in human faeces was found near a water fountain.
“The explanation is that possibly a student may not have been assiduous in their toilet hygiene.
“These worms can be found in human faeces and they can get under your nails and that is how we think that it arrived there.”
As a precaution, the school called in Untied Utilities specialists, who carried out tests.
Mr Jones added: “There are sanitiser dispensers in every toilet.
“After this incident the students been asked to wash their hands.”
The college is open to students over 16 offers a range of courses in A Levels, BTECs and apprenticeships.
The college is part of the Cheadle and Marple College network, which also includes The Cheadle College in Cheadle Hulme and an adult college.
It was rated ‘good with outstanding elements’ in its latest Ofsted report.
According to the NHS, most worms in humans are not serious and can easily be treated in one to three days.
Stopping them spreading is simple.
The NHS advises washing your hands after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food and at regular intervals during the day.
Stockport council has been contacted for comment.