Hepatitis A circumstances confirmed at UK major colleges as warnings issued to oldsters
Two cases of the contagious infection have so far been reported, according to the UK Health Security Agency with both of them coming from primary school pupils in the Newcastle area
Health officials say there is no evidence of the illness being transmitted at either school at present (stock)(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Primary school children have been infected with Hepatitis A, forcing health officials to issue a warning to parents. Two cases of the contagious infection have so far been reported, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
The cases were reported among pupils at schools in Newcastle, Benton Park Primary and Central Walker Primary – understood to be near the city centre.
The schools have since issued letters to families including advice and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency.
Health bosses have since confirmed the risk to the public, other pupils and teachers is low but have said they are working closely with schools to ensure all necessary public health actions are taken care of.
Hepatitis A has been reported in two primary schools (stock)(Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)
Public health bosses also confirmed that there is no evidence of the illness being transmitted at either school at present.
Jonathan Lawler consultant in health protection at UKHSA North East said: “We are working with both schools and other relevant partners to ensure all necessary public health actions are carried out.
“Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. The virus is usually acquired by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the virus and also can be spread from person to person.
Central Walker Church of England is one of the schools (file)(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“Hepatitis A is present in the faeces (poo) of an infected person and can be passed to others if the ill person accidentally contaminates another person, food, water or the bathroom, toilet or towels, as a result of poor hand washing. The infection can then be picked up on other people’s hands and transferred to their mouth.
“The schools are working with partners and following health protection advice to increase hygiene measures to prevent transmission.”
Signs and symptoms include fever, tummy ache, feeling unwell and this then develops into dark urine, pale stools and jaundice of the eyes and skin. Most people to contract hepatitis A make a full recovery.
It is understood the schools both remain open.
