Public health officials have issued an urgent plea to parents in Barry, South Wales, to ensure their children are "vigilant with their handwashing" following a localised outbreak of hepatitis A.
Public Health Wales, in collaboration with the local health board and council, is investigating a "small number" of hepatitis A cases.
These cases, all of the same strain, have been identified across three separate households in the seaside town. The health body noted that the strain's characteristics "suggests the infection may be spreading locally."
Those who have contracted the illness are "receiving appropriate care and are recovering well”, according to Public Health Wales. As a precautionary measure, close contacts of the infected individuals have been offered vaccination.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, typically presenting as a mild illness. Susan Mably, a consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, underscored the importance of hygiene.
"We are now writing to parents who have children in primary schools in Barry to ask them to be vigilant with their children’s handwashing to prevent further spread of infection," she stated.
Ms Mably elaborated: "The best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis A is to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is important after using the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing or eating food."
She also highlighted a key concern: "Some young children who are infected may not show any symptoms but can spread the infection to others who can then become unwell. Parents and carers should help and remind young children to wash their hands properly."
She advised: "If you or your child feels unwell and has symptoms such as a fever, feeling very tired, a loss of appetite, feeling sick or being sick or have yellow skin or eyes you should contact your GP or NHS 111 Wales."
NHS guidance confirms that hepatitis A vaccines are not routinely offered in the UK due to the generally low risk of infection.
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