04 September 2003: UPDATE - All pupils have been sent home from Naas CBS Secondary School since lunch time today due to the mystery illness that has hospitalised a number of students, according to school principal Noel Merrick.
The school has officially closed until next Monday morning.
However, Mr Merrick said some junior pupils could remain this afternoon pending collection by their parents.
Mr Merrick has not yet received information from the Health Board concerning the cause of the outbreak or the results of tests on some of the pupils admitted to Naas General Hospital. Pupils under 14 years of age have been admitted to Tallaght Hospital.
He told KNN that another 15-20 boys became ill while in class this morning.
In a letter to parents given to pupils earlier today, the principal says:
“As you may be aware a number of boys were ill yesterday, most were Leaving Cert students. Many were treated by their own doctors or stayed at home ill.
However, 12 boys of various ages were admitted to Naas General Hospital last night. Their symptom’s are suggestive of a viral illness.
At time of writing, the medical authorities are investigating the nature of the illness. As a precautionary measure, and to prevent further infection, we are suspending classes until Monday morning.
Please ensure that the boys do not share bottles etc and wash hands before eating and always after using the bathroom.
If your son becomes ill, please contact your GP.
You are welcome to ring the school if you wish to have further information.
We wish all our ill students a speedy recovery.
Noel Merrick
School Principal
tel 045 866402.
