Second case of Hepatitis A confirmed at Bristol primary school
The UK Health Security Agency says a 'defined group' of children and staff at Minerva Primary Academy be offered vaccinations.
Last updated 7 hours ago
A second case of hepatitis A has been confirmed at a primary school in Bristol.
The UK Health Security Agency says a defined group of children and staff at Minerva Primary Academy in Hillfields will be offered vaccinations as a precaution.
Parents and carers of pupils have also been given information about the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection which affects the liver. The symptoms are generally a flu-like illness, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, abdominal pains or jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes or skin). Hepatitis A is not usually serious, and most people make a full recovery within a couple of months.
Dr Toyin Ejidokun, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said:
“Vaccination is being offered to a defined group of children and staff to prevent onward transmission as a precaution. Parents and carers have also received information about the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A. The risk to the wider population is very low.
“Hepatitis A is an infection caused by a virus that affects the liver. Initial symptoms of hepatitis A are similar to flu and include mild fever, joint and muscle pain, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. This may then be followed by other symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, passing very dark urine and pale stools. Anyone with these symptoms should speak to their local GP surgery."
“The virus is present in faeces and is spread from person to person through the faecal-oral route, or via contaminated food or drink and is often acquired when travelling abroad."
“To help prevent the spread of infections, it is important to wash hands with liquid soap and warm water and dry thoroughly, particularly after going to the toilet or changing nappies and before eating."
“In addition, any fruit or vegetables that cannot be peeled or cooked before eating, including salad produce, should always be washed thoroughly before eating.”
“If you are planning to travel outside the UK, even if you are going somewhere familiar, you should speak with a health professional about how to get the hepatitis A vaccine, which is free and other required travel health advice”.