Mum 'concerned' after flea infestation shuts Inverness school

A Highland parent says she's "concerned" after her children's school and nursery closed due to a flea infestation.

Merkinch Early Learning and Childcare Centre shut yesterday, with parents and guardians asked to collect kids from the nursery.

A Facebook post then outlined how the nursery and adjoining primary would be closed today to allow for treatment work to be undertaken.

However one mum, who as one child attending the nursery and another attending the primary, claims she wasn't told yesterday afternoon that fleas were behind the early closure, and only found out more information later at night.

Highland Council says "Environmental Health advice is being sought and appropriate action will be taken over the October break to eradicate the pests."

Concern over potentially 'contaminated' homes

The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed her 4-year-old was kept in a cold garden area until she collected her.

She said: "I asked a member of staff why the cleaning had to happen, was there a real reason (behind it) and was told no.

"I repeated the concern there was maybe another health reason for it to a couple of mums, as I didn't believe they would keep the kids outside in the cold just to clean it.

"After taking my children home, they played in their school clothes in my house, had dinner then went to bed at 7pm.

"It was around 8pm whilst I was getting ready for work when my friend, whose children don't attend the school, sent me the link to the page stating there were fleas.

"I still wouldn't have known had she not."

The mum went on to describe her frustrations regarding the lack of advice and outlined how she wishes to take the matter further if she isn't contacted soon.

She added: "I wasn't able to take any of the correct precautions when I came home with my children I.e removing potentially contaminated clothing straight away, checking them for bites and fleas, etc.

"There's now the potential that my home needs treated.

"Thankfully I'm in a position to afford to do this, as flea treatments for children and homes can get very expensive as I've been advised this isn't a 'one and done' process.

"But I am very aware that many parents may not be able or even know to do anything other than check for bites.

"The post from the school was informative of the schools actions, but other than a link for what to look for with regards to bites, they have given no advice whatsoever.

"I'm concerned that all the parents, children and there homes could now be contaminated."

Action being taken to "eradicate the pests"

Highland Council have described the infestation as "mild" and say they have taken advice from Environmental Health.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “A decision was taken to close Merkinch ELC yesterday afternoon (10 October 2024) due to a report of a mild flea infestation, and in line with health and safety protocol the building needs to be treated accordingly.

"Therefore, following advice from our Environmental Health team the shared space within the main school building will also require treatment by specialist contractors.

"The school and ELC will remain closed today (Friday 11 October 2024) ahead of the October school break for this work to be undertaken.

“Please be assured that Environmental Health advice is being sought and appropriate action will be taken over the October break to eradicate the pests.

“The school will be in touch with arrangements for the holiday club in due course.”

The following advice links from NHS are being posted on the school’s social media.

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/flea-bites

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Symptoms.aspx#flea

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Treatment.aspx#symptoms

Since we initially posted this article, Highland Council have come back with more information.

A spokesperson added: "The Head Teacher is providing an update to parents/carers this afternoon, once she has had an update on the deep clean.

"This will be a letter which will include any further relevant advice.

"It is worth noting that the ELC children regularly play outside for a large chunk of the day and, as always, staff ensured they were dressed appropriately for outdoor play."