A BEDALES schoolgirl is recovering from the e-coli bug. On her return to the Steep school from the Easter holidays, the 15-year-old boarder, who wished to remain anonymous, was taken ill. Her symptoms were subsequently identified as e- coli.Due to the contagious nature of the bacteria, four other girls from the same dormitory, and another girl who shared the sick room with the year 10 pupil, were sent home following advice from the health protection unit (HPU). Bedales headteacher Keith Budge issued a statement, saying: "The HPU and the school have been liaising very closely, and we are acting on their instruction. We will, of course, remain very alert until all risk of transmission has passed." The HPU's consultant in communicable disease control said he believed that the student was exposed to the disease outside the school during the Easter holidays, and that the risk of the disease spreading was "low". A Bedales spokesman added: "The inspector's unit is happy with the precautions taken by the school." The school's traditional 'handshake ceremony' after assembly has been suspended until it receives the all-clear.
