City heartbroken over death of primary school children

People in Liverpool are “heartbroken” after two young children from the same primary school in the city died.

It was revealed today that two primary school children, believed to be aged 5 and 6, who both attended Millstead Primary School in Everton, have tragically died in recent weeks.

The school, which caters for children with special educational needs, said its entire community was devastated to learn of the deaths of two of its youngest children, adding that both pupils had “filled their classrooms with joy”.

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Today, many in the city of Liverpool and beyond expressed their shock and sadness at the news of the double tragedy.

Belinda Sullivan said: “Thinking of the family and friends of the two children. Awful, just awful.”

Millstead school parent Nichola Smith added: “All Millstead parents send our love and thoughts to the families, heartbreaking.”

Stacey Gillespie said: “So sad, my thoughts go out to all the staff and the little girls’ families.”

Stacey Bridge-Tucker added: “The whole school community is heartbroken. RIP Girls”.

And Jessie Carey added: “After the 2 young women who tragically died thinking of friends, family and the entire staff and pupils of Millstead at this sad time.”

Millstead Primary is currently dealing with an outbreak of an infection called giardia, which is being managed by the UK’s Health Safety Agency. The UKHSA said the causes of the two children’s deaths had not been confirmed, but that it was “unlikely to be due to giardia”.

Giardiasis is an infection of the digestive system caused by tiny parasites known as Giardia lamblia. The infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, flatulence and bloating, but is generally not a serious health risk and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

A UKHSA spokesman told the ECHO: “The UK Health Safety Agency is 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. Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness that can easily spread in households and schools.

The ECHO first reported on the Giardia outbreak at Millstead last month, with public health measures put in place to try to tackle the number of school-related infections targeting children with special educational needs.

The ECHO understands the school closed for a week as it tried to stem the rise in infections. Emma Savage, health protection consultant for UKHSA Cheshire and Merseyside health protection team, 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.”

Giardiasis can be spread by direct contact with infected people or animals, or by swallowing contaminated water, food or drink. Once treated, symptoms should stop in about a week, but sometimes they can take longer.

Giardiasis can be prevented by washing hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before handling and eating food. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly. More information on how to treat Giardia can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/giardiasis/

Speaking about the tragic deaths of the two young children who attended her school, Millstead Headteacher Michelle Beard said: “The whole Millstead School community is devastated to learn of the recent sad deaths of two of our youngest children.

“We send our deepest condolences to both families. Both children filled their classrooms with joy during their time with us and will forever remain in our hearts. We are working closely with our families, staff and students to support them as they come to terms with this terribly sad news.”

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