Nursery remains closed amid ‘probable’ outbreak of E.coli

Hawick's Cherrytrees closed last week after reports that a number of children were affected.

NHS Borders issue update on E.coli outbreak as Cherrytrees nursery in Hawick remains closed — NHS Borders have said there is "no clinical concern". Flickr / Creative Commons

26th May 2022

A nursery in the Borders remains closed amid a ‘probable’ outbreak of E.coli O157.

Last week, Cherrytrees nursery in Hawick closed after NHS Borders reported that a number of children were affected.

The health board asked anyone who attended or worked at the nursery, and who could have been exposed to the infection, to stay at home and be tested to help contain the spread of the illness.

In an update on Monday, May 23, NHS Borders reiterated the message.

It added that there was “no evidence to suggest that the source of infection is the nursery”.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: “NHS Borders health protection team continues to manage a probable outbreak of E.coli O157 in Hawick.

“As a preventative measure we are testing anyone who attends or works at Cherrytrees nursery in Hawick and could have been exposed to the infection, and their close contacts.

“These people are being asked to stay at home until they return negative tests. This is to help ensure the spread of infection is contained.

“As a result of this Cherrytrees nursery remains temporarily closed whilst staff await test results.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the source of infection is the nursery.

“Our colleagues are in touch directly with anyone who may be affected. If you are contacted please comply with the requests and advice that you are given.

“This is important to prevent spread of the E.coli O157 infection that can cause serious kidney problems, particularly in young children.

“None of the affected people who have been reviewed medically are causing any clinical concern.”