Management Information Sheet

Gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) may readily spread in the school environment, leading to outbreaks (2 or more linked cases). Outbreaks can be due to a point source such as a food poisoning incident or the spread of viruses or bacteria from person-to-person.

Most forms of gastroenteritis are highly infectious and it is essential to take measures to limit the spread.

Actions

If you suspect that an outbreak of gastroenteritis is occurring in your school, Headteachers should:-

	Inform your local Environmental Health Department immediately. Record the names and addresses of affected cases, dates of onset of illness, their school class, and whether or not they eat food provided by the school.
	Inform the Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Health Protection Unit (NSCHPU)
	Telephone: 0844 225 3546
	Secure Fax: 01842 765260
	Generic email: nschpu@hpa.org.uk
	Secure email: hpa-ag.adminNSCHPU@nhs.net

	Strict attention should be paid to hand hygiene (as in the Infection Control Policy and guidance ) www.schoolspeoplenet.norfolk.gov.uk This may involve active reinforcement at occasions such as school assemblies etc.
	Cleaning regimes should be increased, particularly in higher risk areas such as toilets and food preparation areas. Particular emphasis should be placed on ‘touch points’ in toilets such as taps, door handles, toilet seats and handles and light switches (with care) which may become contaminated. Body fluid spillages should be dealt with promptly (reference can be made to the Infection Control Policy through the above link).

Affected cases (pupils and staff) should not attend school until 48 hours after recovery with normal (for them) stools, unless otherwise advised by the Environmental Health Officer or NSCHPU.

The Health Protection Agency have published guidance on Gastroenteritis in Children www.hpa.org.uk and also have developed a resource pack to teach handwashing in primary schools www.hpa.org.uk both of which may be helpful to you.