110 people offered jab as hepatitis A reported in two nurseries

AN ESTIMATED 110 people associated with two nursery schools have been offered a hepatitis A vaccination following two reported cases of the infection.

A vaccination session for staff and children was held at the Brynhyfryd Flying Start nursery in Neath Port Talbot yesterday after an individual linked to the premises was confirmed to have hepatitis A.

Vaccinations will also be offered to staff and children at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Castell Nedd nursery today following another case of infection linked to the first case.

The two confirmed cases are being investigated by Public Health Wales with the environmental health department of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

Vaccination at the nurseries is being offered as a precaution as hepatitis A spreads easily among young children, who will often not have symptoms but can still transmit infection to other people.

Public Health Wales says the two nurseries are co-operating fully with arrangements for vaccination.

Siôn Lingard, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “Hepatitis A is a viral infection, usually short-lived, that has unpleasant symptoms but can be serious on rare occasions.

“Children often only have a very mild illness or do not have symptoms at all.

“Symptoms can include flulike 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.

“Good hand-washing after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food is the best way to prevent the virus spreading.

“Children may pass the virus on to others without having symptoms so we are reminding parents to encourage good hand-washing at all times.”

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.

Hepatitis A vaccination is not routinely offered on the NHS as the infection is rare in the UK.

Further information about hepatitis A is available on the Public Health Wales website at www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/43692