Ysgol Dewi Sant has sent out letters informing parents of the incident and stressing the importance of thorough hand washing
A child at a Rhyl primary school has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
Parents of pupils at Ysgol Dewi Sant received letters from Public Health Wales informing them of the matter on Friday
It says: “Public Health Wales has been informed that a child who attends the school has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
“Hepatitis is a viral infection which may cause inflammation of the liver and jaundice.
”The virus is present in the poo of a person who is infected. The virus may be passed from person to person through close contact, especially if they have not washed their hands properly after going to the toilet.”
It adds: “Good hand washing after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food is the best way to prevent the virus spreading.”
Parents were informed whether or not their children were in the same class as the infected pupil.
Those who aren’t in the same class do not need vaccinating against Hepatitis A at this time, the letter states.
Some people, particularly young children, may not have any symptoms but Hepatitis A can last for months.
In rare cases, the liver infection can be life-threatening.
The incubation period (the time from coming into contact with the virus to developing symptoms) is between two and six weeks.
It is believed the school underwent a deep clean over the weekend and parents were reassured it was safe to send their children back on Monday.
The letter continues: “Please remember that children may have very few symptoms but may pass the virus on to other family members so please encourage good hand washing at all times.”
Dr Graham Brown, consultant in communicable disease control, Public Health Wales said: “Public Health Wales has been notified of a case of hepatitis A in a child at a school in Rhyl.
“Close contacts within the school and immediate family are being offered Hepatitis A vaccination as a precautionary measure.
“We are working closely with Denbighshire Council Environmental Health Officers to investigate the case and to offer advice to parents, school staff and pupils. There is no wider risk outside the school community.”
He added: “Hepatitis A is usually a short term infection that has very unpleasant symptoms but is rarely serious. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms like tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches and fever, as well as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, jaundice, very dark urine and itchy skin.
“People are advised to contact their own GP if they have any concerns about their health or their child’s health.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/rhyl-primary-school-pupil-diagnosed-12534673
No comments:
Post a Comment