A school has been forced to close in Somerset after a horror norovirus outbreak spread through the staff and pupils, as Danesfield Middle School aims to ‘break the chain of infection’
10:04, 29 Nov 2025Updated 11:04, 29 Nov 2025
Danesfield Middle School was hit by a norovirus outbreak(Image: Google Maps)
A school has been forced to close after an outbreak of norovirus spread among the students and staff.
Danesfield Middle School in Somerset sent a letter to parents and guardians explaining that it would be closed following the outbreak. The school, which said it closed to “break the chain of infection”, will conduct a deep clean and disinfection of the site while it remains shut. Students will be taught remotely, it announced.
Norovirus, which is also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The NHS states that symptoms can come on suddenly and may also include a high temperature, body pains and a headache.
The letter from Danesfield CoE Middle School said, per Somerset Live: “Danesfield Middle School will be closed on Friday 28 November following a confirmed outbreak of norovirus among pupils and staff. This decision has been made to protect the health and wellbeing of our school community and to prevent further spread of the virus.
“We are following guidance to ensure the school is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reopening. Parents and carers are advised to keep children at home if they are experiencing symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea and to follow the recommended 48-hour symptom-free period before returning to school.
“If your child goes to hospital with D&V and/or a high temperature, has blood in their stools or is asked to give a stool sample by a medical professional could you please notify the school as soon as you are able.
“The safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff is our top priority. Closing the school will allow us to carry out a deep clean and break the chain of infection. We appreciate the support and understanding of our parents and the wider community during this time.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Somerset Council has said: “Diarrhoea and vomiting causing viruses, like noroviruses are currently in circulation. They cause unpleasant but self-limiting infections. Hygiene precautions like hand washing with soap and water, and disinfecting touch points can limit the spread but these infections are very contagious.
“Children should not return to school until they have had 48 hours free of symptoms. We wish everyone a swift recovery from this unpleasant illness.”