Primary school to undergo deep clean after E coli case

Precautionary measures in wake of pupil contracting the infectious bug

A Perth primary school will undergo a “deep clean” after a child contracted the potentially lethal E coli infection.

Perth and Kinross Council will carry out the measure at Craigie Primary School as an extra precaution despite determining the source of the bug was not within the building.

NHS Tayside confirmed it does not know the cause of the outbreak but stated the child concerned is being cared for at home and the youngster’s condition is not “giving any cause for concern”.

The health body has also claimed the risk to the wider public is “very low”.

Some strains of E coli are harmless. However, some types of the infection produce toxins that can cause illness in people, including kidney failure in some extreme cases.

People can become infected by consuming contaminated food or water, or by contact with other people who are infected, or with animals carrying the bacteria.

Liberal Democrat Perth South Councillor Willie Wilson confirmed that the source of the E coli has not been “directly associated” with Craigie Primary School and outlined the measures taken as a result of the health scare.

“A letter has been sent out to all the parents of children at the school giving advice and there will be a deep clean of the school undertaken as an extra precaution,” he said.

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside added: “NHS Tayside’s health protection team is aware of and currently investigating a single case of confirmed E coli non-O157 infection in a child who attends Craigie Primary School in Perth.

“The child is being cared for at home and their condition is not giving any cause for concern. The investigation has not identified any suspected source of infection for this case at Craigie Primary School.”

She continued: “Close contacts have been identified and appropriate advice has been given. A letter has been issued to parents of children at the school for information and reassurance. The risk to the wider public is very low.”

On Thursday, Lesley Gibson, Craigie Primary School headteacher, sent an urgent email to all parents to notify them of the outbreak after the pupil was found to have contracted the bug.

NHS Tayside has stated it is “rare” that E coli can lead to more serious complications. However, the spokesperson said young children and the elderly are most likely to pick up the illness.

A letter has been sent out to all the parents of children at the school giving advice. COUNCILLOR WILLIE WILSON