A vaccination has been offered to some pupils “as a precautionary measure”
A primary school in South Belfast has been affected by hepatitis A. Parents were alerted to a case of the infection at Fane Street Primary School in a letter on Wednesday, October 15.
The Public Health Agency Health Protection Team, alongside the Belfast Trust and Education Authority, said they have identified groups in the school most affected. These groups will be offered a hepatitis A vaccination “as a precautionary measure.”
In a letter to parents seen by Belfast Live, the PHA said: “The Public Health Agency Health Protection Team has been notified of a case of hepatitis A infection associated with Fane Street Primary School in Belfast.
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“We have reviewed the risk posed by this infection and have identified a group of children and staff in the P3/P4 class and the boys only in P4-P7 classes who should be offered a hepatitis A vaccine to protect against infection, as a precautionary measure.”
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus which spreads in faecal matter. It can easily be passed between people by drinking or eating contaminated foods or fluids, or through close contact with a person who has the infection.
The PHA said vaccination “reduces the risk of developing the infection if given within two weeks of a possible exposure to hepatitis A infection.”
The Public Health Authority added that at this time, there is “no evidence the infection has spread within the school.” As a result, they said there is currently no need to offer vaccination to others whose risk to infection is considered low.
They continued: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take further action if needed.”
The Belfast Trust Immunisation Team will be holding a vaccination session at the school on Friday morning, October 17, for those affected.
A Public Health Agency spokesperson said: “The Public Health Agency (PHA) has received notification of a person with hepatitis A infection linked to a school in the Belfast Trust area.
“The PHA is working with the Belfast HSC Trust, Education Authority and school principal to review the situation and has identified a potential small risk to a number children and staff.
“To reduce this risk, we are offering a group of children and staff a vaccine to help protect against hepatitis A as a precautionary measure.
“Parents and guardians of the children and staff affected are being notified and the PHA, along with trust clinical staff, will be available at an agreed time at the school to answer any questions.
“At present we have no information to suggest that there is spread of the infection within the school, and therefore no other children, staff or visitors to the school will be offered the vaccine as the risk of exposure to them is very low. The PHA will continue to monitor this infection over the coming weeks. If you are not contacted with the offer of vaccination, there are no actions you need to take.”
What is Hepatits A, and what are the symptoms?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver which can be commonly transmitted from person to person or through consuming foods or water that contains the virus.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sometimes leading to jaundice (yellow coloured skin).
For more information about hepatitis A please see the following web link: www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/hepatitis-a
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