Two children who attended a primary school dealing with an infection outbreak have died.
The youngsters – reported to be aged five and six – were pupils at Millstead Primary School in Liverpool.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been working with Liverpool City Council following a number of cases of giardia linked to the school.
However, the UKHSA said the deaths of the two children were “unlikely to be due to giardia”.
Giardia is a parasite which can grow in the intestines of infected humans or animals and cause giardiasis, with the most common symptom being diarrhoea.
Emma Savage, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said the agency was “aware of the sad deaths of two children who attend Millstead Primary School and our thoughts are with the family, friends and school community”.
“The deaths are unlikely to be due to giardia,” she added.
“Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness which can spread easily in households and school settings.”
The Liverpool Echo reported the school has been closed for a week in a bid to tackle the infection outbreak.
Ms Savage said: “Investigations are ongoing, and we have provided information and advice to the school and parents. Public health measures have been put in place to help prevent further cases.”
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In a statement to Sky News, Millstead headteacher Michelle Beard said: “The entire Millstead School community is devastated to have learned of the sad recent passing of two of our younger children.
“We have sent our sincerest condolences to both of their families.
“Both children filled their classes with joy during their time with us, and they will forever be in our hearts.
“We are working closely with our families, staff and pupils to support them as we come to terms with this terribly sad news.”
