THREE nurseries in Haddington are temporarily closed after nearly 30 cases of E. coli were confirmed in the town.

NHS Lothian joined forces with local and national partner agencies to investigate cases of the infection linked to Pear Tree Nursery Church Street.

Two other sister nurseries have also now closed as a precaution while investigations and tests are carried out.

There were no new cases of E. coli infection identified over the weekend, which means the total remains at 28.

A small number of confirmed cases were admitted to hospital but the majority of these have now returned home.

Investigations so far have not yet revealed a specific source but testing is ongoing to identify the strain of the infection and any links.

As cases have been confined to Pear Tree Nursery Church Street, respective households or other close contacts, the nursery will remain closed as a precautionary measure.

The multi-agency Incident Management Team (IMT) will continue to work closely with the nursery to ensure it is safe for children to return.

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The IMT is also now working with two other sister nurseries in the same town after a number of people reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

Both Pear Tree Nursery Meadowpark and Pear Tree Nursery West Road in Haddington are now closed as a precautionary measure.

Pear Tree Nursery Meadowpark closed on Friday evening after people first began experiencing symptoms. Their symptoms are so far resolving without requiring medical treatment.

Pear Tree Nursery West Road was closed yesterday (Tuesday) after a number of separate reports of cases of gastrointestinal illness arose.

All parents and carers have been notified and they have been asked to provide samples as quickly as possible to establish the cause of their symptoms.

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Dr Richard Othieno, chair of the Incident Management Team and public health consultant, NHS Lothian, said: “The IMT is continuing investigations after a number of people linked with the Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

"We are reviewing their cases as quickly as possible.

“Separately, we have also been advised of a number of cases with similar symptoms from Pear Tree Nursery West Road.

“We have asked both nurseries to close as a precaution while investigations and tests are carried out.

“We would urge anyone who has not yet handed in a sample to do so as soon as possible to help identify what has caused their symptoms and hopefully rule out any links with E. coli.

“We know this will be a worrying time for families and carers, especially as children prepare to return to school on Wednesday.

“We have provided guidelines for parents and carers, and explained that it is vital for siblings or those children leaving nursery, taking up a new nursery place and starting school for the first time to remain at home until their exclusion period is complete if they have been in contact with someone with E. coli or any other vomiting bug.

“NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team is also working with East Lothian Council’s education service to help prevent the spread of infection.

“This outbreak reinforces the importance of washing hands regularly, particularly before eating or preparing food, and after going to the toilet.”

E. coli is a bacterial infection that causes illness in people.

The symptoms range from mild loose stools to severe bloody diarrhoea. The most serious complications can lead to blood poisoning and kidney failure.

There is no specific treatment for the infection and most people who are infected will get better without medical treatment.

However, those who have symptoms or are concerned are advised to contact their GP or NHS 24 on telephone number 111.