Two cases of hepatitis A have been reported among pupils at Newcastle primary schools. Benton Park Primary and Central Walker Primary have issued letters to families including advice and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Low risk to public
Health bosses confirmed the risk to the public, other pupils and teachers was low. UKHSA is working with both schools to ensure all necessary public health actions are taken. Public health bosses also confirmed that there is no evidence of the illness being transmitted at either school.
Jonathan Lawler, consultant in health protection at UKHSA North East, said: "We are working with both schools and other relevant partners to ensure all necessary public health actions are carried out."
How hepatitis A spreads
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. The virus is usually acquired by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the virus and also can be spread from person to person.
"Hepatitis A is present in the faeces (poo) of an infected person and can be passed to others if the ill person accidentally contaminates another person, food, water or the bathroom, toilet or towels, as a result of poor hand washing. The infection can then be picked up on other people's hands and transferred to their mouth."
The schools are working with partners and following health protection advice to increase hygiene measures to prevent transmission.
Symptoms and recovery
Signs and symptoms include fever, tummy ache, feeling unwell and this then develops into dark urine, pale stools and jaundice of the eyes and skin. Most people who contract hepatitis A make a full recovery.
Figures at each school have not commented while Newcastle City Council declined to comment, directing inquiries to the public health team. It's understood that the schools remain open and advice, particularly around handwashing hygiene, has been issued.
