26 January 2023 , 16:51
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Concerned parents are wondering if they should keep their children at home following an outbreak of Hepatitis A at a primary school.
A "small" number of cases of the illness were reported among pupils at The Willows Primary School in Ipswich last week, with health authorities moving to reassure parents that it did not stem from the site itself.
A letter sent home on Saturday advised affected families to "look out for signs and symptoms and follow the recommended exclusion advice of keeping children off school for seven days after their symptoms started."
Those who may have been exposed to the virus were also advised to practice good hygiene including regular use of handwashing and soap.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver which is usually caught from consuming food or drink contaminated with the poo of an infectious person.
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver which is usually caught from consuming contaminated food or drink (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Symptoms include mild fever, jaundice, joint and muscle pain, feeling and being sick, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark-coloured urine and itchy skin.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has begun work since the weekend to give vaccinations to approximately 74 pupils and staff at the Willows Primary School who were in close contact with affected people.
It followed some criticism of the school from the parents, who reportedly asked why the school had not been closed and whether the building should be deep cleaned.
Others are also said to have wondered whether they should keep their children at home until cases cleared up, according to the Ipswich Star.
But in a new statement the UKHSA has said "all necessary public health actions" are being carried out to prevent any further cases, with the organisation reiterating that there is a low risk to the public because of the "robust" measures in place.
Lucianne Lambourne, Principal Health Protection Practitioner at UKHSA East of England, said yesterday: “We are working with the school and other relevant partners to ensure all necessary public health actions are carried out to prevent the spread of this illness, although there is very little risk to the wider community.
“We have identified those who have been in closest contact with the individuals affected and we will be offering them the hepatitis A vaccination as a precaution to prevent further transmission and cases.
“We have also advised anyone who may have been exposed to the virus, to be aware of the symptoms and to encourage good handwashing with hot water and soap, as this is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections, including hepatitis A and of course COVID-19.”
A UKHSA East spokesperson told the Mirror that source of infection is not believed to stem from the school and that no new cases of Hepatitis A have been reported at the location this week.