TWO children aged five and six from the same primary school have died – as it battles an infection outbreak.
The two children were pupils at Millstead Primary School in Liverpool, which is currently dealing with cases of intestinal infection giardia.
Millstead Primary School in Liverpool
The outbreak is being managed by the UK Health Security Agency, which said the two deaths are not thought to be due to the infection.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the sad deaths of two children who attend Millstead Primary School.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and school community.
“The deaths are unlikely to be due to giardia. Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness which can spread easily in households and school settings.”
Headteacher Michelle Beard said: “The entire Millstead School community is devastated to have learned of the sad recent passing of two of our younger children.”
She added: “We have sent our sincerest condolences to both of their families.
“Both children filled their classes with joy during their time with us, and they will forever be in our hearts.
“We are working closely with our families, staff and pupils to support them as we come to terms with this terribly sad news.”
Giardiasis is an infection of the digestive system caused by tiny parasites known as giardia lamblia.
The infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, flatulence and bloating.
But it is generally not a serious risk to health and can be treated easily with antibiotics.
Millstead Primary School provides for children aged between two and 11 with special educational needs.
In January Ofsted inspectors gave the school an “outstanding” report, calling it “life-changing” and “inspirational”.
It is understood the school closed for a week in a bid to stop the giardia outbreak.
NHS advice on giardiasis
GIARDIASIS is a tummy bug that causes symptoms like diarrhoea, farting and bloating.
It usually goes away in about a week if it’s treated, but it can sometimes last much longer.
You can get giardiasis through direct contact with infected people or animals, or from swallowing contaminated water, food or drinks.
The main symptoms of giardiasis are: smelly diarrhoea, tummy pain or cramps, flatulence, smelly burps, bloating and weight loss.
You can have giardiasis and spread it to others without having any symptoms.
GP Dr Sarah Jarvis said: “Giardiasis is a tummy infection caused by a parasite called Giardia intestinalis.
“You can catch it from infected water (often overseas) or through direct contact with someone who’s infected.
“Children do spent a lot of time holding hands and touching each other, so it’s easy to pass on – especially if they haven’t washed their hands really regularly.
“It sometimes doesn’t cause any symptoms, even though you’re infectious.
However, it can lead to explosive, watery diarrhoea, tummy pain, wind and bloating.
“In the longer term, if it’s not treated, it can lead to chronic diarrhoea, along with feeling sick, weight loss and in children, slow growth.”
Dr Jarvis added: “It’s very rarely fatal but it’s unpleasant to have.
“Giardiasis can occasionally cause severe dehydration, especially in babies and older people.
“It’s important to be aware of the symptoms. Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs are very common in children – giardiasis rarely leads to vomiting (being sick).
“If your child has explosive watery diarrhoea, or if their symptoms aren’t settling down or they’re seriously unwell, speak to your doctor.
“Giardiasis is diagnosed with up to three poo samples on different days. It can be treated with an antibiotic called metronidazole.”
