A CREWE primary school has been forced to issue a statement on Ebola after parents raised fears over a forthcoming exchange trip to Africa.

Parents of children at The Berkley Primary School in Wistaston have voiced concern that two teachers at the school are due to take place in an exchange trip to a partner school in Kenya.

The Guardian understands parents have begun a petition asking that the teachers remain off school for the Ebola incubation period - which can last up to three weeks - upon their return from the Mutarakwa Primary School, in the Rift Valley, Kenya.

Heateacher Carolyn Brown issued a statement last Friday in an attempt to allay parents’ concerns.

She said: “Today I have received some concerns regarding two of our members of staff visiting our partner school in Kenya.

“We as a school are taking the risk of Ebola seriously. We have been awaiting government advice for any changes in the situation before we informed parents.

“There is currently no change in the advice from the Government, Foreign Office or the British Council regarding travel to Kenya. There have been no reported cases of Ebola in Kenya.

“If, whilst the teachers are out in Kenya any advice from the Government changes, we will follow the advice from the Government, British Council and the Foreign Office.

“The Governing Body has made the decision that the teachers will be travelling to Kenya next week, along with other Primary Schools in Cheshire, to continue our fantastic links with Mutarakwa Primary School.”

The recent Ebola virus outbreak has claimed more than 4,000 lives – mainly in the West African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.