SINGAPORE – A total of 44 people, including 34 pupils, across two pre-schools of the same brand have developed gastroenteritis symptoms, with a pupil hospitalised for a day.

From Sept 18 to Oct 1, 20 pupils and four employees at E-Bridge Pre-School at Dawson Road reportedly developed symptoms, according to a joint media reply by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Oct 3.

Among them, one pupil was hospitalised on Sept 26, for a day. As of Oct 1, 12 pupils and four employees have recovered and have returned to the school, according to the reply.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that this outbreak is likely caused by norovirus, a virus that can spread from person to person and cause gastroenteritis,” the three agencies said.

The E-Bridge Pre-School at Sengkang Square was also affected, with the agencies saying that 14 pupils and six employees reportedly developed symptoms from Sept 24 to Oct 1.

As of Oct 1, eight pupils and one employee have recovered and returned to school.

The remaining pupils and staff across both schools who were affected are recovering well, the agencies said.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish if there are any common links between the two incidents,” they said.

ECDA is monitoring the situation and has reminded the operator to follow infection prevention and control guidelines.

Preschools are required to follow food safety requirements set out in the Early Childhood Development Centres Code of Practice, which includes ensuring food handlers hold valid certification.

In September, 17 children and two employees from E-Bridge Pre-School’s Circuit Road branch had