AN EIGHTH child has tested positive for the E.coli bacteria as the nursery at the centre of the outbreak prepared to reopen.

Kirklands Day Nursery, in Barnard Castle, closed its doors earlier this month following an outbreak of the bacteria, which causes violent vomiting and diarrhoea.

Investigators with Public Health England (PHE) and Durham County Council are still trying to locate the source of the infection at the Bede Road nursery.

Today (Weds) they confirmed that a further youngster has tested positive meaning that eight youngsters and one adult have now been affected.

The latest child to contract the bacteria is not a pupil at the school but they are the sibling of one of the affected pupils.

One child is still seriously ill in hospital but the other eight positive cases are recovering at home.

The nursery is due to open for business from tomorrow (Thursday, May 14) but only to staff and pupils who have provided two clear tests.

Dr Peter Acheson, a consultant at PHE’s North-East centre, said: “It has not yet been possible to identify a definite source.

“The nursery has now undergone a thorough deep clean and environmental samples taken inside the nursery have not shown any traces of E. coli.

“For these reasons we have advised that the nursery can now re-open but only to staff and children who have had two negative test results.

“This is to prevent the infection being re-introduced into the nursery.”

He added: “Testing of all children and staff is progressing well but will take time to complete due to the need for each person to be tested twice.

“We are continuing to investigate the outbreak but often in situations of this kind it is not always possible to identify a definitive source of the original infection.

“The most important action is to make sure control measures are in place to prevent further spread.”

E. coli can cause a range of symptoms from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea.

A small number of patients, particularly the young, can develop complications leading to kidney failure.

Janice Duffy McGhie, nursery owner, said: “We are still waiting for the routine second test results for two members of staff.

“I would like to thank all our very supportive and understanding parents. I’m delighted that we can re-open and start functioning normally again.”