Two children from same primary school die amid Giardia infection outbreak

Two young pupils from a Liverpool primary school have tragically passed away amidst an infection outbreak.

The head of Millstead Primary School in Everton shared that the school is "devastated" after learning about the loss of two of its younger students, who "filled their classes with joy."

It is understood that the children were aged five and six. Millstead Primary has been grappling with an outbreak of Giardia infection, which is being overseen by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Read more: College's apology after planning to start term while students 'still on holiday'

The UKHSA has stated that while the exact causes of death for the two children are yet to be determined, they are "unlikely to be due to Giardia". Giardiasis, the illness caused by the giardia lamblia parasites, affects the digestive system. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and bloating, but it typically poses no severe health risk and can be treated with antibiotics, reports the Liverpool Echo.

A UKHSA spokesperson expressed their condolences, saying: "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."

Get all the latest and breaking news in Yorkshire by signing up to our newsletter here.

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 heartbreaking passings of the two children under her school's care, Michelle Beard, headteacher at Millstead School, expressed: "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."