A BORDERS nursery remains closed amid a ‘probable’ outbreak of E. coli O157, according to the region’s health board.

Cherrytrees nursery in Hawick shut last week after NHS Borders reported that children had been affected by the infection.

And in an update today (May 23), the health board said that anyone who attends or works at the site will be tested, along with their close contacts.

Those people have been asked to stay at home until they return negative tests.

The health board said there is “no evidence to suggest that the source of infection is the nursery”.

READ MORE: Breaking: First case of Monkeypox virus discovered in Scotland

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.”