Tests have been carried out on the water supply at a special school in Blackpool after children there began falling ill. Public health officials say youngsters at Highfurlong School in Blackpool Old Road are ‘likely’ to have contracted a virus such as the highly-contagious norovirus after reporting bouts of sickness and diarrhoea, but said investigations are still underway.
"We have advised the school that it would be sensible to carry out an inspection of the internal plumbing to make sure their system meets the required water fittings standards which are designed to protect water quality," a spokeswoman said.
We have asked the school to report cases of illness to us as part of this investigation to help confirm the cause of the illness."
Public Health England said it received ‘over 40 reports of illness in staff and children over the past few weeks’, but said ‘this isn’t a particularly high number for norovirus’.
Coun Graham Cain, the cabinet member for resilient communities, added: "Obviously, we understand that parents will be concerned.
"With any potential risks to health, it is important that they are investigated fully.
Blackpool Council has been working closely with all the relevant organisations and all precautionary measures have been put in place, such as the provision of bottled water.
"However this will be continually reviewed in the light of any new information.
“The school is now closing for half term and we will use that time to further assess the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.” The special school shares an entrance with Aspire Academy, where pupils are currently on their half-term break, after moving into its new £14m premises in November 2015.
“Any member of staff working in school during the half-term has been advised to use bottled water as a safety precaution.” Public Health England said people with signs of the norovirus, which is easily transmitted and airborne, should stay away from school, work, or university until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.