Updated 3:30pm: A reminder to regularly wash your hands following as a gastro bug does the rounds at an east Auckland school.

Willowbank Primary School in Howick has been closed following the outbreak as efforts to get it under control are made.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service Medical Officer Dr Michael Hale says basic hygiene and infection control is key to stopping the bug in its tracks.

He says it's important to wash your hands for at least twenty seconds.

Dr Michael Hale adds any children who are sick, particularly with vomiting and diarrhoea, need to stay at home for 48 hours. 

AUCKLAND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE STATEMENT

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been informed of a suspected gastrointestinal outbreak at Willowbank School in East Tamaki. ARPHS has agreed with the principal’s recommendation that the school be closed for today to prevent possible further spread between pupils.

ARPHS is working closely with the school to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent others from getting sick. This includes taking specimens, sending the school hand hygiene fact sheets to give to parents and pupils, and visiting the school to provide advice on proper disinfection of affected areas.

“ARPHS is taking this outbreak seriously,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr Michael Hale. “It is important to prevent more children getting sick from what is a very unpleasant bug, and we are confident that proper hand hygiene and cleaning of the school will contain the outbreak.”