Leicester primary school 'norovirus' strikes 120 pupils

Rowlatts Mead Primary Academy is being deep cleaned to prevent the virus spreading further

More than 120 primary school pupils have fallen ill in a suspected norovirus outbreak.

Rowlatts Mead Primary Academy in Leicester said students have been absent with sickness, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms.

The school was closed on Tuesday and will be shut on Wednesday while the building is deep cleaned.

Public Health England has been notified of the illnesses and said they may "indicate norovirus".

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The school said in a statement on its website: "Due to the outbreak of a virus across the school that has resulted in over 120 pupils being absent with sickness and vomiting, we have taken the decision to close the school for two days to do a full and deep clean of the entire building.

"This way we hope to stop the spread of the virus any further and protect the children/staff currently still unaffected."

Public Health England (PHE) East Midlands said: "PHE East Midlands has been notified that a number of pupils at Rowlatts Mead Primary Academy in Leicester have developed symptoms which may indicate norovirus.

"If you or your child have had symptoms of norovirus, it is important to stay home from work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared."

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