Hepatitis A Alert Issued to UK Primary Schools After Two Cases Identified
The UK Health Security Agency has alerted parents at two Newcastle schools about Hepatitis A, a liver infection that can mimic flu symptoms.
A public health warning has been issued to two primary schools in Newcastle, England, after two pupils were diagnosed with Hepatitis A, a potentially serious liver infection.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has notified parents at Benton Park and Central Walker primary schools, providing information on symptoms and preventative measures. The agency has stated that the risk to other students, staff, and the wider public is considered low and confirmed there is no current evidence of transmission within the schools.
Jonathan Lawler, consultant in health protection at UKHSA North East, said the agency is collaborating with the schools and other partners to implement necessary public health actions. "The schools are also working with partners and following health protection advice to increase hygiene measures to prevent transmission," Lawler stated.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection typically spread through contaminated food or water. It can also be transmitted through close personal contact with an infected individual or by consuming food handled by someone carrying the virus.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include fever, flu-like illness, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, itchy skin, and jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. While the illness can be fatal, particularly for older adults and those with compromised immune systems, most children experience mild symptoms.
Vaccination is the most effective protection against Hepatitis A, but it is not routinely administered in the UK due to the relatively low incidence of the infection. The NHS advises vaccination primarily for individuals at high risk, such as those traveling to regions where the virus is common, individuals with chronic liver disease, or those whose occupations pose a risk.
Recent trends have shown an increase in Hepatitis A cases in England and Wales, with 889 confirmed cases in 2024, a 70% rise from 2022 figures. Experts have suggested a potential link to weakened immune systems in children following pandemic-related lockdowns and school closures, with a strain of the common cold being a possible contributing factor in some outbreaks. Both affected schools remain open while investigations continue.