A SUSPECTED outbreak of the norovirus caused a ‘large’ number of children and staff at a Northwich school to stay home last week, Public Health has confirmed.

A number of people were sent home from The County High School, Leftwich on Friday after several bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea.

The school refused to say how many people were affected.

Rumours began circulating that the absences were was caused by food poisoning but Julie Brandreth, headteacher at The County High School, Leftwich confirmed that it wasn’t.

Ms Brandreth said: “We, like other schools in the area have had a bout of winter vomiting.

“People think when people get sickness and diarrhoea, think it’s food poisoning, but there is no evidence to suggest that.

“There was no indication at all that it was food poisoning. Some parents have jumped to conclusions I think.”

Typical symptoms of a norovirus infection include the sudden onset of projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

Some people also experience headaches, mild temperature and stomach cramps.

Donald Read, consultant in Public Health for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Public Health have been made aware of a number of pupils and staff affected by diarrhoea and vomiting.

“The suspected cause of this is norovirus, which is the most common stomach bug in the UK and is widely circulating in the community at present.

“Norovirus is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting infection that will clear up after a couple of days. Those affected should drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of rest.

“The school has been given advice by the Infection Control team – this includes ensuring good handwashing and that anyone with symptoms should stay at home until they have been symptom free for 48hrs.”

Ms Brandreth said school had a ‘large number of unexpected absences’.

“We are taking all the necessary precautions,” she said. “We did have high absences but it does seem to be back to normal.”

If you think you have contracted the virus, you should avoid going to hospitals or their GP surgery as the virus can spread to other patients and staff.

It can be spread through contact with an infected person, by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Anyone who thinks they have winter vomiting should telephone NHS 111 for advice.

The NHS Choices website also provides advice. Click here.