Three children catch Hepatitis A in Oamaru

Public Health South (PHS) are investigating after three children from two families have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A in Oamaru.

The children, who are associated with the Edna McCulloch Kindergarten in Oamaru, were diagnosed with the illness by the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) on Friday.

Hepatitis A is a viral illness which is acquired from consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms include sudden tiredness, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and dark urine.

The SDHB said PHS are working with the kindergarten to see if any other families might be affected.

SDHB medical of health Dr Keith Reid said it’s unclear where the infection originated from.

‘‘We don’t think the kindergarten is the source of the infections.

‘‘I have advised the kindergarten to continue to operate normally during our investigation.’’

Reid met with parents and kindergarten staff on Friday to help them understand the situation. A programme of blood testing and vaccination will take place next week.

‘‘We are undertaking this blood testing to get a picture as to whether other families at the kindergarten may be affected, then we can offer them appropriate support and treatment.

‘‘The vaccination is intended to prevent any spread of the infection.’’

In young children, Hepatitis A can occur with no outward signs of infection and may be passed on silently.

The SDHB said the best way to prevent the spread of the illness is through good hand hygiene.