TWO children from a Teesdale nursery have been taken to hospital after contracting E.coli.

Experts are currently investigating a total of four cases at Kirklands Day Nursery, in Barnard Castle, as two other children are being cared for at home.

A spokeswoman for Public Health England also confirmed a fifth child with recent symptoms is awaiting test results. The children fell ill at about the same time between April 25 and April 27.

The nursery, in Bede Road, has been closed while the organisation, along with Durham County Council, investigates the cause of the infection.

The spokeswoman said: “Experts from Public Health England and Durham County Council can confirm they are investigating four cases of E. coli O157 infection in children who attend Kirklands Day Nursery in Barnard Castle.

“Two of the affected children are currently in hospital and the other two are being looked after at home.

“There is also a fifth child with recent symptoms who is awaiting test results.”

Dr Deb Wilson, a consultant at PHE’s North-East centre, said: “E.coli O157 is a relatively rare infection which can cause a range of symptoms from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea.

“A very small proportion of patients, mainly children, can develop a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure.

“The source of the infection in these children is not yet known and the investigation is continuing.

“As a precaution, the nursery has temporarily closed while all the necessary public health measures are put in place to prevent any further spread of infection.”

All children and staff are now being asked to submit two samples, taken at least 24 hours apart, for testing as part of further control measures and will be allowed to return to the nursery when they have had two negative results.

GPs and other healthcare providers in the area have also been contacted and asked to be on the lookout for any further possible cases.

The nursery’s owner, Janice Duffy-McGhie, said a “thorough and intensive clean” had taken place at the nursery.

“We have been deeply shocked by this experience which is the first time in more than 30 years that anything like this has happened,” she said.

“We are very grateful for the amazing support of parents who have rallied round to help.

“Our thoughts go to the two children and families affected and we continue to support them and to cooperate fully with the authorities.

“We expect to reopen next week once we are given the all clear.”

  • Has your child been affected? Call 01388-660664.