AN infants’ school has closed after an outbreak of the highly contagious norovirus.

Queen’s Park Infants in East Way, Bournemouth, will not reopen until at least Tuesday after children and teachers were struck down by the diarrhoea and vomiting bug.

Extra cleaning is currently being undertaken at the school as a precaution.

The decision to close was taken after staff contacted the Dorset and Somerset Health Protection Unit and the Environmental Health department for advice.

A school spokesman said: “A number of children and staff have developed a stomach bug – probably due to the norovirus.

“This causes a self-limiting illness which is rarely serious although it does cause unpleasant symptoms for a few days. The school has been complimented on the steps undertaken to contain the outbreak.”

It is estimated that up to a million people are affected by the virus in the UK every year. There are frequent outbreaks in schools, Hospitals, nursing homes and hotels – anywhere that large numbers of people congregate for several days.

Both Poole and the Royal Bournemouth Hospitals suffer regular outbreaks and ward closures.