Cumbria & Lancashire
Health Protection Team
1st Floor,
Foxhole Road,
T +44 (0)844 225 0602
F +44 (0)1257 246451
www.gov.uk/phe
TO: All Nurseries in Cumbria & Lancashire
October 2013
Dear Colleague
NOROVIRUS SEASON
We are writing to highlight the approaching norovirus season. In recent years we have seen an increasing number of norovirus outbreaks and these cause considerable difficulties throughout the ‘healthcare community’. We are therefore writing to ask for your assistance and to remind you of the importance of being vigilant for diarrhoea and vomiting (D&V) episodes/outbreaks.
We need your help with controlling outbreaks in Nurseries and Schools.
Early recognition of diarrhoea and/or vomiting outbreaks in Schools is vital so that effective control measures can be put in place. If you think you have recognised an outbreak of D&V then report it promptly to Public Health
Thorough handwashing with liquid soap and water, environmental cleaning and prompt exclusion of affected children or staff, are vital infection control measures during an outbreak of D&V within a School. Children or staff with D&V should be excluded from the School until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.
An information leaflet about Norovirus is enclosed with this letter. If you have any queries, or need to report a diarrhoea and/or vomiting outbreak, please do not hesitate to call the Cumbria & Lancashire Health Protection Team on 0844 225 0602.
Yours sincerely
Dr Kenneth Lamden
Consultant in Health Protection