Public health officials have issued an urgent plea to parents in Barry, South Wales, to ensure their children are vigilant with handwashing following a localised outbreak of hepatitis A. The outbreak, which has affected a small number of people across three separate households in the seaside town, is being investigated by Public Health Wales in collaboration with the local health board and council.
Investigation Underway
Public Health Wales confirmed that all cases involve the same strain of the virus, which suggests that the infection may be spreading locally. Those who have contracted the illness are receiving appropriate care and are recovering well. As a precautionary measure, close contacts of the infected individuals have been offered vaccination.
Importance of Hygiene
Susan Mably, a consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, emphasised the importance of hygiene in preventing further spread. She stated: "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."
Mably added: "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 that some young children who are infected may not show symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.
Symptoms and Advice
Parents and carers are advised to help and remind young children to wash their hands properly. If a child or adult feels unwell with symptoms such as fever, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, they should contact their GP or NHS 111 Wales.
According to NHS guidance, hepatitis A vaccines are not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of infection is generally low. However, in this outbreak, vaccination has been provided to close contacts as a precaution.
