A NURSERY tot who was hospitalised after contracting a rare blood condition two weeks ago has been discharged and is now recovering at home.

A child who attends Little Angels nursery in Golborne developed symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is usually caused by certain strains of E. coli bacteria.

Symptoms of HUS include diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.

Wigan Council has confirmed test results have found "there is no evidence to suggest" that the Silcock Street nursery was the source of the infection.

The local authority and Public Heath England arranged for staff and children at the nursery to be tested and all samples came backs negative for STEC.

Environmental swabs at the nursery have also returned negative results for the condition.

Professor Kate Ardern, director of public health at the council, said "infection can be acquired in a number of ways such as through contaminated food, contact with farm animals and infected water."

She said: “The testing of all children and staff who have regular contact with Little Angels was purely standard procedure in order to mitigate the risk of potential transmission to the child’s peers.

“Little Angels nursery has been exceptionally cooperative and was one of several lines of enquiry into this investigation as the infection can be acquired in a number of ways such as through contaminated food, contact with farm animals and infected water.

“Advice has been given to both the nursery and parents reminding them of good hygiene practice and how to minimise the risk of bacteria spreading – especially if they or their child have experienced symptoms.

“We would like to remind all parents across the borough that if their children are poorly and showing symptoms of illness, they can minimise the risk of spreading bugs by keeping their children home and by washing their own hands/their child’s regularly, especially after nappy changing or before prepping food.”

All parents have been advised that their children can go back to the nursery providing they are not displaying symptoms for at least 48 hours.

READ > Car park plans to 'ease weekend congestion' approved

Yesterday, Thursday, a letter was sent to parents, stating: “We can advise you that no children at the nursery have evidence of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection nor is there any evidence that the nursery was the source of an infection that may have caused the severe illness in the affected child.”