Two new cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed in South Wales, following an outbreak at a primary school last month.
Public Health Wales have confirmed that two more cases – including one at a secondary school – have been diagnosed in Caerphilly , bringing the total number of cases in the area to 11.
Heather Lewis, a consultant in health protection, warned there may be more cases to come.
She said: “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.
'We may see more cases'
“However, due to the very long incubation period of Hepatitis A, we may see more cases.”
Nine cases of the illness, which is not normally life-threatening, have been reported atGlyn-Gaer Primary School in Gelligaer.
The latest individual to be diagnosed is a pupil at Ysgol Rhydywaun secondary school in Penywaun.
Both new cases have links with Glyn-Gaer Primary School.
Ms Lewis said: “There is no suggestion that transmission of the virus has occurred within the school.”
She confirmed that letters are being given to pupils in the affected year group to remind them of the importance of good hand hygiene and to explain the symptoms of Hepatitis A.
Parents are being advised not to send their child to school for seven days if Hepatitis A is suspected.
'Unpleasant symptoms'
She added: “Hepatitis A is a viral infection, usually short-lived, that has unpleasant symptoms but is rarely serious. Children often only have a very mild illness.”
Symptoms can include flu-like illness, such as tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches and fever.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pains, jaundice, very dark urine and itchy skin.
The incubation period – the time from coming into contact with the virus to developing the symptoms – is between two and six weeks.
Hepatitis A vaccination is not routinely offered on the NHS , as the infection is rare in the UK, with 13 reported cases in Wales in 2012.
It is strongly advised that anyone travelling to a country where the infection is more common should receive the vaccination.
Public Health Wales is continuing to investigate the outbreak with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Caerphilly council.
People are advised to contact their own GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 if they have any concerns about their health or their child’s health.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/hepatitis-outbreak-spreads-secondary-school-11381093
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