A nursery has been forced to close by the NHS with staff and pupils asked to isolate at home amid a worrying outbreak of E.coli.
The bacterial infection, which is highly infectious, can cause a grim range of symptoms including bloody diarrhoea and fevers. A small number of people can go on to develop serious kidney problems.
The closure of Cherrytrees nursery, Hawick, in the Borders region of Scotland, was formally announced by the regional NHS body.
Anyone, staff or pupil, who's been to the school since May 9 has been asked to stay at home and contact their GP if any symptoms develop.
Director of Public Health, Dr Tim Patterson said; "I want to reassure people that the measures we are taking are preventative in order to limit the spread of this infection.
"Symptoms of E.coli include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and occasionally fever.
"About half of people with the infection will have bloody diarrhoea.
"If you or your child have attended Cherrytrees nursery since the 9th of May and develop any of these symptoms then call your GP (or NHS 24 on 111 if your GP surgery is closed) and let them know.
"They may arrange for your child to come to the BGH to have their stool and bloods checked. If your child is well you will be able to go home to wait for the results.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management and staff of Cherrytrees in Hawick for their cooperation in this process."
Infected people usually notice symptoms three to four days after infection, but symptoms can start any time between one and 14 days afterwards. It can last up to two weeks.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and occasionally fever but not all people develop symptoms.
A small number of people that pick up an E. coli O157 infection may go on to develop a condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) that can cause serious kidney problems, particularly in young children.
