Health ministry: No school closure needed after illness investigation at St Thomas school

However, the ministry said its investigation found no indication of an unusual outbreak within the school and advised that there is no need for the facility to be closed.

Below is the ministry’s full statement:

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has completed further review of recent illness reports among children at the Hillaby/Turners Hall School, St Thomas. These include rash and fever.

Investigations have identified evidence of past dengue infection in three children based on laboratory testing. There is also one confirmed case consistent with Group A Streptococcus infection presenting with rash (ie. scarlet fever). The remaining children assessed have not shown positive results for these conditions.

Group A Streptococcus, is spread through person-to-person contact, particularly via respiratory droplets and close contact. Within 24hrs of commencing antibiotics children are deemed no longer infectious.

The ministry continues to work closely with school authorities and public health team to ensure appropriate monitoring and guidance. The current situation does not indicate an unusual outbreak pattern within the school setting. The Ministry of Health and Wellness reminds the public that schools are part of the wider community and illnesses can be introduced into the environment from time to time resulting in outbreaks.

Standard public health measures remain appropriate and effective, including good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, regular cleaning of classroom surfaces, and continued attention to mosquito bite prevention in the wider community. The Ministry of Education Transformation has implemented the recommended measures.

Parents are reminded that children who are unwell should remain at home and only return to school once they are medically assessed and cleared.

From a public health perspective there is no need for closure of the school at this time. We are grateful to the Ministry of Education Transformation particularly the teachers and parents of the school, for their trust and cooperation during the investigation and supporting actions. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to monitor the situation and to provide guidance and support as needed. (MHW/BGIS)