43 children catch suspected norovirus – why teaching hand washing is more important than ever

KiddiwashXtra teach handwashing to young children

It’s a “do it yourself vaccine”

43 children and a number of teachers and support staff recently contracted a serious sickness bug, “suspected to be norovirus”, resulting in renewed calls for effective hand washing, according to an article on the Hull Daily Mail website.

Hilderthorpe Primary School in Bridlington was closed for deep cleaning to take place, wrote Trudi Davidson.

The report quoted East Riding Council’s associate director of public health Mike McDermott who said

“This would appear to be due to suspected norovirus which is common during the winter season and it is helpful to remind parents, family members and carers of some important but simple measures aimed at reducing the spread of infection.”

“For this type of illness, staying away from school and regular handwashing are both important for reducing spread.”

Use soap and water to combat norovirus

Castleford GP Nicola Williams recently advised that it’s not always possible to avoid contracting norovirus, “but the most important thing in prevention is washing your hands well with soap and water.”

“Don’t rely on hand gels because they don’t kill the virus. Washing your hands properly should take about 20 seconds, as long as singing Happy Birthday twice.

Primary school closes as 43 kids are struck down with highly contagious sickness bug »


Teach children to wash hands properly with a TEAL mobile unit

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.

Portable sinks for younger children »