City heartbroken over deaths of primary school children

The people of Liverpool are "heartbroken" after news of two young children from the same primary school in the city dying.

Today it was revealed that two primary school children, believed to be aged 5 and 6, who both attended Millstead Primary School in Everton have tragically died in recent weeks.

The school, which caters for children with special educational needs, has said its entire community is devastated to have learned of the deaths of two of its younger children, adding that both pupils "filled their classes with joy."

READ MORE: Asda self checkout tills flood as storm batters Merseyside

READ MORE: Mum learns new Asda fact after binman knocks her bin back

Today, many around the city of Liverpool and beyond expressed their shock and sadness at the news of the double tragedy.

Belinda Sullivan said: "Thinking of the family and friends of the two children. Awful, just awful."

Fellow Millstead school parent Nichola Smith added: "All us Millstead parents are sending our love and thoughts to the families, heartbreaking."

Stacey Gillespie said: "So sad, thinking of all the staff and the little girls' families."

Stacey Bridge-Tucker added: "The whole school community is heartbroken. RIP girls."

And Jessie Carey added: "Rip to the 2 young girls that have sadly passed away thinking of friends, family and the whole of Millstead teachers and pupils at this sad time."

Millstead Primary is currently dealing with an outbreak of cases of an infection called giardia, a situation being managed by the UK Health Security Agency. The UKHSA said the causes of the deaths of the two children have not been confirmed but that they are "unlikely to be due to giardia".

Giardiasis is an infection of the digestive system caused by tiny parasites known as Giardia lamblia. The infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, flatulence and bloating but it is generally not a serious risk to health and can be treated easily with antibiotics.

A spokesperson for the UKHSA told the ECHO: "UK Health Security Agency are aware of the sad deaths of two children who attend Millstead Primary School and our thoughts are with the family, friends and school community.

"The deaths are unlikely to be due to Giardia. Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness which can spread easily in households and school settings."

The ECHO first reported on the Giardia outbreak at Millstead last month, with public health measures put in place to try and tackle the number of infections linked to the school, which caters for children with special educational needs.

The ECHO understands that the school closed for a week as it attempted to break the growth in infections. Emma Savage, consultant in health protection for the UKHSA Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Team, said: “Investigations are ongoing, and we have provided information and advice to the school and parents. Public health measures have been put in place to help prevent further cases.”

Giardiasis can be spread by direct contact with infected people or animals, or from swallowing contaminated water, food or drinks. Once treated symptoms should stop in about a week but can sometimes last longer.

Giardiasis can be prevented by washing hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before handling and eating food. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly. More information on how to deal with Giardia can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/giardiasis/

Speaking about the tragic deaths of the two young children who attended her school, Millstead headteacher Michelle Beard, said: “The entire Millstead School community is devastated to have learned of the sad recent passing of two of our younger children.

"We have sent our sincerest condolences to both of their families. Both children filled their classes with joy during their time with us, and they will forever be in our hearts. We are working closely with our families, staff and pupils to support them as we come to terms with this terribly sad news.”

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here