A BORDERS nursery is expected to reopen soon following a probable outbreak of E.coli.

As previously reported, Cherrytrees Nursery in Hawick was closed after a "probable outbreak of E.coli O157" earlier this month.

But health bosses in the Borders say that some of those who may have been exposed to the infection have will be able to return to work.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: "Thanks to the swift actions of people who could have been exposed to the E.coli O157 infection and their contacts supplying samples, clearance letters are now in the process of being issued.

"This means that some staff of Cherrytrees Nursery in Hawick who were excluded from work whilst awaiting test results will be able to return."

Symptoms of E.coli can appear three or four days after infection, but in some cases can show up to 14 days later.

The symptoms include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Occasionally fever

The spokesperson said: "Please remain vigilant and if you or your child have attended Cherrytrees nursery since the 9th of May and develop any of these symptoms then call your GP (or NHS 24 on 111 if your GP surgery is closed) and let them know.

"They may arrange for your child to come to the Borders General Hospital to have their stool and bloods checked.

"If your child is well you will be able to go home to wait for the results."

Once the nursery has been deep cleaned, parents and carers will be notified by Cherrytrees staff to say their children can return.

According to the NHS spokesperson, colleagues from environmental health have visited the nursery and were "satisfied with practices in the nursery".

The spokesperson added: "We would like to thank everyone affected by this situation for their co-operation in helping us contain the spread of infection."

Further information can be found here.