Children given all-clear after tests for E.coli

Final test results on the 63 children screened for E.coli at a Mid Wales nursery have come back negative after two children fell ill with the disease. Park Lane Day Nursery in Welshpool was closed last week.

The two children had been struck down with the potentially fatal E.coli O157 bacteria.

Parents were told anyone suspected of being in contact with the E.coli bacteria had to be tested twice, with 48 hours between tests, before being allowed back to the nursery. The nursery re-opened on June 26.

Health officials confirmed last night that all the results on the 63 children and 15 staff were negative.

The two children, whose ages are unknown, have now fully recovered and the nursery has been told it was not considered to be the source of the infection.

Dr Mac Walapu, of the National Public Health Service for Wales, said: "The NPHS and Powys County Council have concluded screening children and staff following two cases of E.coli O157 at a nursery school in Powys.

"All 63 children attending the nursery have received two negative test results for E.coli O157, as have all 15 staff with childcare duties.

"We are therefore satisfied that this incident is over and that all children and staff can return to the nursery. E.coli O157 is found quite widely in the environment, particularly among farming communities and it is usual for the NPHS to investigate cases in the community throughout the year.

"We are grateful to all parents and staff who have co-operated."