Students fall ill at school

Twenty-six students of St Stephen’s Primary School came down with a suspected viral illness yesterday and had to be rushed to nearby polyclinics and their doctors. Their symptoms included vomiting, fever and headache.
Officers from the Ministry of Health were dispatched to investigate the cause of the illness at the Black Rock, St Michael school and said they will continue to monitor the situation.
In a release yesterday, the ministry reminded the public that if they or their children experienced similar symptoms, they should stay away from work or school until the symptoms were resolved, or consult a doctor, if necessary.
People should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet; having diarrhoea or vomiting; changing diapers; touching stool-soiled or vomit-soiled materials, toilets or surfaces; before handling food or drink; after cleaning up vomit or diarrhoea from someone who is ill, and before eating.  
In addition, contaminated surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected immediately after an episode of the illness, by using a bleach-based household cleaner. (BGIS)