Hepatitis A virus spreads to third Valleys school
AN OUTBREAK of the viral infection hepatitis A has spread to a third South Wales school, it has been confirmed.
Public Health Wales has revealed that a pupil at Ysgol Rhyd Y Grug in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil, has contracted the condition.
It brings the total number of cases to 12, with 10 reported at Glyn-Gaer Primary School in Hengoed, Caerphilly.
On Tuesday, May 24, it was confirmed that a pupil at Ysgol Rhydywaun secondary school in Penywaun, near Aberdare, also had hepatitis A.
Heather Lewis, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “This new case is a pupil at Ysgol Rhyd Y Grug, but this pupil has been in contact with a confirmed hepatitis A case outside of the school environment and there is no suggestion that the school is the source of the infection.
“All new cases reported in the past week relate to the original cases associated with pupils in Glyn Gaer School.
“Although these new cases attend different schools the infection was not caught in these schools.”
Parents at Ysgol Rhyd Y Grug are will be sent information on hepatitis A and how to reduce the risk of transmission.
They are also being told to make sure their children are “meticulous” about thoroughly washing their hands after going to the toilet or before eating.
“We are confident that to date, all the public health actions needed to control this outbreak have been taken and that the risk to the public remains low,” she added.
“However, we still may see further cases arising from this outbreak as the incubation period for hepatitis A is so long. None of the new cases were unexpected.”
Hepatitis A is a shortlived viral infection which has unpleasant symptoms but is rarely serious.
Children often only have a very mild illness.
The incubation period – the time from coming into contact with the virus to developing the symptoms – is between two and six weeks which means people may not have any symptoms but still be contagious.
Symptoms can of hepatitis A can include flu-like illness such as tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches and fever, as well as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pains, jaundice, very dark urine and itchy skin.
Heather Lewis added: “The single most important thing people can do to prevent the virus spreading is to ensure they use good hand washing techniques after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.
“This is especially important next week when many children will be on half term holiday and out and about without easy access to good toilet facilities.”
People are advised to contact their own GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 if they have any concerns about their health or their child’s health.