The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced the deaths of two elementary school students from the same school.
There have been “a number of cases” of giardia infection at Millstead Primary School in Everton, which specializes in serving special needs students. The UKHSA, however, has ruled that the fatalities were “unlikely” to have been caused by the common gastrointestinal disease.
Principal Michelle Beard expressed her school’s “devastated” community’s reaction to the news of the deaths of two younger students.
According to Ms. Beard, both kids filled their classes with joy during their time, and they will forever be in the school’s hearts. Emma Savage, a consultant with the UKHSA’s health protection division, added that their thoughts are with the family, friends, and school community.
However, she reiterated that the two deaths are not likely to be caused by giardia and that the UKHSA has been collaborating with Liverpool City Council and other parties in response to many giardia cases associated with Millstead Primary School.
She said Giardia manifests as a gastrointestinal illness that spreads quickly in school settings.
According to Ms. Savage, investigations are ongoing into the school’s cases of the sickness. Additional instances will not be reported since public health measures have been implemented.
A representative from Liverpool City Council stated that the school and public health organizations are in direct contact with parents and families about managing the outbreak, noting that no broader risk to the general community exists.
One of the most prevalent stomach disorders in the world, giardiasis, is caused by giardia parasites, which feed within the gut by mimicking human cell processes. Most cases of the sickness develop when people consume tainted food or water.
The symptoms, which may last for weeks or months if left untreated, include extreme diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, gas, flatulence, and lethargy.
Antibiotics aren’t always necessary for giardiasis patients to make a full recovery.