A health board has confirmed that there has been an outbreak of Ecoli in a Scots nursery. Five cases have been identified in Biggar connected to a local nursery in the town.
NHS Lanarkshire say they are investigating the cases and are working closely with South Lanarkshire Council and Public Health Scotland.
Testing has identified that four of the confirmed cases attend the same local nursery and the fifth case has close links to one of the other cases. All children and staff at the nursery have been tested.
The name of the nursery affected has not been revealed and NHS Lanarkshire says that further information about the cases is not being released "to respect and maintain confidentiality."
So far, four Scots nursery have been closed due to an Ecoli outbreak. The sickness bug has been mainly concentrated in the Lothians, with 34 cases confirmed so far by NHS Lothian.
The bacteria was identified in Church Street Pear Tree and Meadowpark Pear Tree nurseries in East Lothian, causing closure of the facilities with children taken to hospital. Two further nurseries - West Road Pear Tree and Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery - have also closed as a precaution.
The symptoms of E.coli O157 can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea or fever. In a small proportion of cases it can cause serious complications.
Dr Alison Smith-Palmer, NHS Lanarkshire Consultant in Public Health, said: “We are asking people in the local area to be alert for any symptoms they, or a child they look after, may have. Anyone who has developed symptoms of E.coli infection should seek medical attention as specific tests are required to diagnose the infection which can mimic other illnesses.
“Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their GP practice or NHS24 on 111 when the GP practice is closed. This is crucial to help contain the infection and stop its spread within the community. Also, washing hands with soap and water is the best way to stop this bug from spreading.”
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