Mass vaccination after outbreak of hepatitis A at primary school

PUPILS and teachers at a primary school have been vaccinated against hepatitis A following an outbreak.

Seven members of the same family have contracted the virus, prompting a mass vaccination session involving 180 pupils and adults associated with Ysgol Emmanuel in Rhyl.

It comes after 20 children and nine adults were last week given an injection at the Fun Days nursery on Seabank Road in Rhyl.

Public Health Wales says there are now seven confirmed cases of the infection altogether.

Vaccination at the school was offered as a precaution as hepatitis A spreads easily between young children who will often not have symptoms but can still transmit infection to other people.

Public Health Wales said the school on Victoria Road is co-operating fully with arrangements for vaccination, and the child confirmed with hepatitis A did not contract the infection while at school.

A post on Ysgol Emmanuel’s Facebook page on Tuesday stated: “Public Health Wales have informed us that a child who attends our nursery has been diagnosed with hepatitis A.

“Good handwashing is the best way to prevent the virus spreading.

“Children in the nursery classes and Playdays will be given a vaccine, as will other children who live at the same address as a child in nursery.

“Please note, there is no reason for alarm as all precautionary measures are being taken.”

The school will remain open as usual with a deep clean carried out outside school hours.

Public Health Wales said there is no link between this outbreak and an outbreak of hepatitis A in the Rhyl area reported earlier this year at Ysgol Dewi Sant Primary School where two children contracted the virus.

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.

Further information about hepatitis A can be found on the Public Health Wales website at www.wales. nhs.uk