TWO more children have been struck down with E.coli following an outbreak linked to a County Durham nursery.

The new cases, involving two children and an adult relative, brings the total number to eight people affected by the illness which is associated with the Kirklands Day Nursery, in Barnard Castle.

The cases were confirmed over the weekend after the initial children, one of which remains in hospital, were diagnosed with E.coli between April 25 and 27.

Experts from Public Health England (PHE) and Durham County Council are continuing to investigate the outbreak which is linked to the nursery, which remains closed.

Dr Peter Acheson, a consultant at PHE’s North East Centre, said: “The latest cases of E.coli O157 infection were not unexpected and demonstrate why arrangements were put in place last week to screen all the children before reopening the nursery.

“Testing continues of all children and staff and the nursery remains closed.

“Only children and staff who have tested negative twice will be able to return to the nursery when it reopens, in order to prevent further spread of the infection.

“E.coli O157 is a relatively rare infection which can cause a range of symptoms from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea.

“A very small proportion of patients, mainly children, can develop a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure.

“Parents have been alerted to be vigilant for symptoms in their children.

“GPs and other healthcare providers in the area have also been contacted and asked to be on the lookout for any further possible cases.”

Has your child been affected? Call The Northern Echo on 01388-660664.