Cockenzie Primary School hit by winter vomiting bug

Pupils and teachers at Cockenzie Primary School in East Lothian have experienced vomiting and diarrhoea, symptoms of the contagious virus known as the winter vomiting bug.

Forty-five children and two staff members are understood to have been off with the bug since the symptoms at the primary school first emerged on Wednesday.

The school, which is being deep cleaned in places, remained open as usual.

Professor Alison McCallum, director of public health and health policy at NHS Lothian, said: “We are monitoring cases of norovirus circulating in the wider community, including a suspected outbreak at Cockenzie Primary School. The Health Protection Team at NHS Lothian have issued letters to parents with information and advice and are keeping in regular contact with the school, which remains open as normal.”

The health boards advise that frequent and thorough hand-washing can help reduce the spread of infection.