Giardiasis: The signs of the stomach bug you need to know and how to protect your family from illness after primary school outbreak and the death of two children READ MORE: Two children die at school battling outbreak of infectious bug By John Ely Deputy Health Editor For Mailonline Published: 10:10, 10 July 2024 | Updated: 10:47, 10 July 2024 e-mail View comments Two children attending a special needs school in Liverpool battling an outbreak of giardiasis, a disease caused by a parasite, have died. The names of the deceased, as well as their exact cause of death, have not been revealed. However, health officials have said the deaths are 'unlikely to be due to Giardia' despite the ongoing outbreak.
A UK Health Security Agency spokesperson said: 'UK Health Security Agency are aware of the sad deaths of two children who attend Millstead Primary School and our thoughts are with the family, friends and school community. 'The deaths are unlikely to be due to Giardia. Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness which can spread easily in households and school settings.
' Emma Savage, Consultant in Health Protection for our Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Team, added 'Investigations are ongoing, and we have provided information and advice to the school and parents. Public health measures have been put in place to help prevent further cases.' Here MailOnline explains the signs of the infection, how long it lasts, what to do if you or your child are infect.