Hundreds of pupils struck with winter illnesses
Hundreds of pupils in schools across Northern Ireland have taken ill, forcing some schools to close.
Clandeboye will be closed on Wednesday for a deep clean, after a bad outbreak at the primary school.
Our Special Correspondent Sasha Wylie has been speaking to some parents.
Yes Clandeboye will be closed today for a deep clean - in an attempt to stem a virus that is affecting a large number of children.
It's also reported over 120 kids from just 2 primary schools in Bangor are off sick - with a further150 at a grammar school in the town..
One concerned parent told me they're keeping their child off as a precaution - as he's due to sit his last AQE test this weekend.
We've also heard of other children having to leave the exam room to be sick - while others couldn't sit at all.
Another parent in Dungannon says her child, along with a large number of other pupils, have been off sick.
She said "30% of Ava’s school (Bush Primary School, Dungannon) off with this virus. Day 6 of it for Ava (although she’s through the worst of it) and day 1 for me. Sore throat, headache, fever, chills, full body aches and temperature struggling to stay below 40. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy."
An Education Authority spokesperson said:
“EA is aware of four individual schools who have or are planning to close to undertake a deep clean, as a precautionary measure following an increase in cases of general winter illnesses, such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
"The decision to close is taken by the individual school, unless otherwise advised by the Education Authority in conjunction with other statutory agencies."
The Public Health Agency is urging people to take simple steps to protect themselves.
"The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of a number of schools that have seen an increase in children experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea or flu-like illnesses. While it is not unusual to see an increase in illness at this time of year, we are urging people to take simple steps to help prevent the spread of illness.
"Respiratory illness, as well as other illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea, can be very common at this time of year. For most people they are short-term, unpleasant illnesses, with most of us getting better within a few days. However, we can all play our part in keeping illnesses at bay and helping to protect more vulnerable people, for whom they can present a more serious risk.
"We would urge people to get the flu vaccine if eligible, take extra care with hand hygiene and, if you are feeling unwell, take simple steps to prevent the spread.
• Carry tissues and use them to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, dispose of the dirty tissues quickly and wash your hands regularly.
• Always maintain good personal hygiene, in particular wash your hands after going to the toilet and before preparing or eating food.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhoea, don’t visit friends or relatives in hospital or residential and nursing homes, and avoid visiting your GP’s surgery – it is much better to phone for advice first.
"Advice on when to return to school after being unwell can be found at www.pha.site/returntoschooladvice."