A FIFTH child who attends a County Durham day nursery has been infected with E.coli, health experts confirmed tonight.

Kirklands Day Nursery, in Barnard Castle, has closed while an investigation is carried out to locate the source of the outbreak.

It is being carried out by Public Health England (PHE) and Durham County Council.

Five cases of E. coli infection have now been identified at the Bede Road nursery and two of the affected children have been taken to hospital.

The other three youngsters are all being treated at home. All five fell ill over the same period, between April 25 and 27.

Dr Deb Wilson, a consultant at PHE’s North-East centre, said: “The source of the infection in these children is not yet known and the investigation is continuing.

“As a precaution, the nursery has temporarily closed while all the necessary public health measures are put in place to prevent any further spread of infection.

“E. coli 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.

“As part of these control measures, all children who attend the nursery and the staff are being asked to submit two samples taken at least 24 hours apart for testing.

“Staff and children will be able to return to the nursery when they have each had two negative test results.”

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