Good Morning Families,

The following information is provided on behalf of NHS Lothian:

A small number of children in Victoria are currently off ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea. The symptoms are suggestive of viral gastroenteritis (also known as norovirus or winter vomiting disease) which is known to be circulating in the community. It is usually a short-lived self-limiting illness from which children and adults recover quickly.

Victoria ELC and NHS Lothian Health Protection Team, are working together to monitor and manage the situation. We are writing to you with the following advice:

•         If your child is affected with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, we would like to remind you that they should remain off nursery until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. This advice applies at all times. So for instance if your child becomes unwell over the weekend they should not attend school on Monday even if by then they feel well.
•          Ensure that all members of your family wash their hands frequently using warm water and liquid soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.      
•      Should your child require medical attention for these symptoms, please inform the general practise by telephone in advance; as they may recommend a telephone consultation or that you pick up a sample pot so that a specimen of diarrhoea or vomit may be obtained.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Warms regards,

The Team at Victoria ELC