The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that no further hepatitis A cases have been reported among Newcastle school children this week. This update comes one week after two cases of the infectious disease were identified among pupils at two of the city's primary schools.
The cases at Benton Park Primary School and Central Walker Church of England Primary School are not thought to be linked, nor is it believed the infection was transmitted at the schools themselves. Last week, the UKHSA sent letters to parents and carers at the affected schools.
No new reports of illness
Hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection, is rare in the UK. It can be spread by drinking unclean water, eating food that has been washed or grown in such water, eating food handled by someone with the infection, or through close physical contact with an infected person.
There is no indication that the infection was contracted at either school. Leaders at each school wrote to families to share advice, including guidance on hygiene and handwashing.
Health protection advice
Last week, health protection consultant Jonathan Lawler said: "We are working with both schools and other relevant partners to ensure all necessary public health actions are carried out. 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."
