Child with confirmed case of Hepatitis A at Dalmuir primary school

A case of Hepatitis A has been confirmed in a primary school in Dalmuir.

Parents of pupils attending Our Lady of Loretto were made aware after letters were sent out.

The school confirmed that a child had contracted the liver infection, but that the school was not identified as the source.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is sending vaccination invitations to parents of children assessed as close contacts.

Parents do not need to come forward unless they have received an invitation from the health board.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a recent case of hepatitis A has been identified at Our Lady of Loretto Primary School in Dalmuir.

"We would like to reassure parents and the public that while hepatitis A can be unpleasant, the infection is rarely serious in children, and symptoms are usually short lived.

"However it is important that we do all we can to prevent its spread.

"Timely hepatitis A vaccination is highly effective at preventing the infection, and parents of children at the school who require vaccination are being invited to have their child vaccinated. We encourage them to take up that offer.

"We have provided information about hepatitis A to staff and parents of children in the relevant year groups at the school, and we are also working closely with West Dunbartonshire Environmental Health Department to support the school with environmental measures such as handwashing.

"We would like to remind parents and staff that if their child, or anyone in their family, develops symptoms of hepatitis A they should contact their GP or, if it is out of hours, NHS 24 on 111."

West Dunbartonshire Council said: "The Council has acted on the advice of Public Health Scotland, and all recommended precautionary measures have been put in place."

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