The director of public health had written to parents asking for their help in preventing school closures by stopping the spread of highly infectious norovirus.
Dr Parameswaran Kishore warned there has been rise in the number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting caused by the bug.
In his letter to parents, he writes: ‘We want to ensure that norovirus outbreaks do not lead to school closures.’
He asked them to ensure that they don’t send their child to school if they have vomiting and/or diarrhoea and to not send them back to school until 48 hours after all symptoms have stopped.
The most common cause of outbreaks is believed to be the failure to follow the 48-hour rule.
Norovirus, previously known as Winter Vomiting Virus, is the most common stomach bug in the island and the UK and affects people of all ages.
The virus is highly infectious and can spread rapidly in residential homes, schools and hospitals.
Symptoms are the sudden onset of vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Some people, especially children, may have a fever. Not all patients develop all the symptoms.
In the majority of cases the symptoms resolve in one to two days. However, those affected continue to shed the virus for 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped - hence the 48-hour rule.
Dr Kishore urged parents and the public in general not to visit the hospital or GP if they or their child has vomiting and/or diarrhoea and to practice scrupulous hygiene, especially hand washing using soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food and eating.
If you require medical advice, contact your GP or MEDS by telephone and attend only if advised to do so. Do not visit the people in hospitals or care homes as norovirus spreads rapidly in such settings.