Two childcare centres in Conwy have closed their doors following an outbreak of E.coli 0157.

Public Health Wales and Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) are offering precautionary screenings at the two childcare following the three members of a family from the area contracting the illness.

The source of the outbreak is unknown but both centres voluntarily closed their doors as a precautionary measure and will only be re-opened once all staff and children have been screened.

All three confirmed cases are recovering well at home.

Dr Graham Brown, Public Health Wales communicable disease control consultant, said: “E.coli O157 is a very serious infection that causes very severe diarrhoea, sometimes with blood in it, abdominal cramps and fever. In children, it can cause kidney failure that can prove fatal.

“It is not uncommon for outbreaks of E.coli O157 to be associated with children having contact with farm animals.

“The infection can also be contracted by eating contaminated food or drinking unpasteurised milk.

“Anyone who is unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from school, nursery or work while they have symptoms and until they are advised that they are well enough to return.

“Anyone who has concerns about their health should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales.”

Anyone suffering with diarrhoea or vomiting are advised to take hygiene precautions to reduce the risk of passing the illness onto others.

The precautions include wash your hands thoroughly before dealing with food after visiting the toilet, try not to prepare food for others, wash any soiled bedding or clothing on as high a temperature as possible, provide separate towels for anyone who is ill, clean all surfaces, and if a child is unwell avoid contact with others.

More information on E.coli O157 is available from the Public Health Wales website at: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/43884.