Blog, Schools and nurseries
Hepatitis A and norovirus outbreak in Midlands school: hand washing is vital
Dec
Soap and water, washing properly and avoid the gels
Tameside Primary in Price Road, Wednesbury has been closed for two days while a deep clean takes place as a result of an outbreak of both Hepatitis A and norovirus – also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, according to a recent report on the Birmingham Mail website.
The article by James Rodger, helpfully details how the illnesses are transmitted, the symptoms and what to do during an outbreak.
Limiting the spread of any infection
Mr Rodger quotes the Head of Infection Prevention at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Vanessa Whately who said,
“Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food or eating.”
What to do when visiting hospital patients
The article also quotes Ann Birler, Assistant Director Nursing Infection Control at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who emphasised the importance of not relying on gels when visiting friends or relatives in hospital.
“If you do visit then please wash your hands with soap and water (not just use the sanitising gel) when you arrive on the ward and when you leave the ward.”
Hepatitis A outbreak shuts school – the symptoms to look out for and how to avoid it »
Teach children to wash hands properly with TEAL portable sinks
It’s vital to teach all children how to wash their hands effectively with soap and water. It will help prevent the spread of illnesses throughout a lifetime. And they’re never too young to start!
Handwash training for children is easy with a TEAL unit. Kids just love the warm gentle wash with these portable sinks – even when they’re on the go. And TEAL mobile sinks can ensure that children can have access to a warm water hand wash – even where they are enjoying outside play!
The TEAL KiddiWash Xtra and KiddiSynk mobile sinks are designed especially for smaller hands – and they make hand washing educational and fun.
Perfect for nurseries, creches, pre-schools, outside play areas and children’s pet farms, TEAL warm water hand wash units are robust, easy to use and easy to clean.