Written question WQ88568
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to a) assist local authorities in monitoring E. coli outbreaks in schools and b) support school staff in taking appropriate measures to handle them?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
There are robust and well-rehearsed processes for responding to cases and outbreaks of E.coli. Cases of E.coli are notifiable under the Health Protection (Notification) (Wales) Regulations 2010, placing a duty on registered medical practitioners and/or laboratory operators to notify local authorities of suspected/confirmed cases.
Public Health Wales’ and health board health protection teams coordinate the response to ensure that appropriate follow-up is underway, identifying any potential source/ongoing risks, and contact tracing to minimise the risk of further transmission.
Throughout, there is close engagement with education settings and local authorities, with resources provided to both the school and parents to raise awareness, aid prevention of further transmission and to support management of the cases/outbreak. Specific information is provided on when to keep children away from settings, when they are clear to return, and awareness raising of symptoms and actions to take should they become unwell. Additional in-person support can be offered to schools where necessary by PHW.