Primary school closes due to outbreak of Strep A

Kingsbridge Primary School has closed due to an outbreak of Strep A. 

Kingsbridge Primary School are having to close on advice from NHS Devon following an outbreak of Strep A at the school. 

40 percent of children and 23 percent of staff are currently absent. 

The school are not sure whether they will reopen tomorrow and are waiting for further advice from NHS Devon. 

KCPS Assistant Head of the School, Miranda Martyn, said: “We are working closely with the UKHSA, which is advising us on a most appropriate course of action.

“We have about 40 per cent of our children unwell and off school at the moment, and therefore we are taking this opportunity to close the school today for a deep clean, and intend to reopen again tomorrow, Wednesday 14 December.

“I would like to thank all of our pupils and their parents for their understanding and cooperation.”

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon said: “We’re aware that a number of pupils and staff are off with illnesses currently. The UKHSA is in touch with the school regarding public health advice for students and staff.

“To help reduce the risk and spread of infection, we advise people to follow basic good hand and respiratory hygiene measures.

• Wash your hands regularly using soap and warm water for 20 seconds

• Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and to discard of the tissue in the bin immediately

• Not sharing eating utensils, clothes, bedding and towels

• and avoiding close contact with others if you are feeling unwell."

Advice on the NHS website is as follows: 

Symptoms of a strep A infection

Common symptoms of strep A include:

• flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
• sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
• a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
• scabs and sores (impetigo)
• pain and swelling (cellulitis)
• severe muscle aches
• nausea and vomiting

Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics.

Treatments for a strep A infection

Most strep A infections can be easily treated with antibiotics.

If you or your child has a strep A infection, you should stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics. This will help stop the infection spreading to other people.

Serious strep A infections (invasive group A strep, iGAS) need to be treated in hospital with antibiotics.

How you get strep A infections

Strep A infections are spread by close contact with an infected person. They can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.

In some people, the bacteria live in the body without causing symptoms or making them feel unwell. But they can still pass the bacteria on to others.

Things that might make you more at risk of strep A infections include:

• a weakened immune system
• open sores or wounds
• some viral infections, such as a cold or flu

How to avoid getting infections

Infections like strep A can easily be spread to other people.

To reduce the chance of catching or spreading an infection:

• wash your hands often with soap and water
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• bin used tissues as quickly as possible