Flea infestation closes Merkinch Primary School after outbreak in nursery as Highland Council calls in specialist contractors to tackle the bugs
Merkinch Primary has suffered flea infestation causing the nursery to be closed at short notice yesterday afternoon after parents were contacted to pick-up their children.
The rest of the school with more than 230 pupils was also closed today after Highland Council confirmed the outbreak in the early learning and childcare (ELC) unit at the school.
The council called in its environmental health team which recommended bringing in specialist contractors to tackle “a report of a mild flea infestation”.
Shared areas in the rest of the school will also need to be treated and this is likely to happen over the October break.
This is not the first time that an Inverness school has been closed due to an infestation.
In May 2022, Crown Primary School pupils found maggots dropping on their desks from the ceiling, in June last year Charleston Academy was closed due to a red mite infestation and then in September it was closed due a mice infestation.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “A decision was taken to close Merkinch ELC yesterday afternoon (Thursday) due to a report of a mild flea infestation, and in line with health and safety protocol the building needs to be treated accordingly.
“Therefore, following advice from our environmental health team the shared space within the main school building will also require treatment by specialist contractors.
“The school and ELC will remain closed today (Friday 11 October 2024) ahead of the October school break for this work to be undertaken.”
The spokesperson added: “Please be assured that Environmental Health advice is being sought and appropriate action will be taken over the October break to eradicate the pests.
“The school will be in touch with arrangements for the holiday club in due course.”
