Hepatitis A case discovered at St Mary’s Primary School

The pupil at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Ascupart Street, Southampton, was found to be infected with Hepatitis A about a month ago.

This prompted the UK Health Security Agency to get involved.

Specialists from the agency identified close contacts of the child and offered them vaccinations to try to stop the virus spreading.

They also carried out a risk assessment and provided health advice for the “relatively rare infection", which has flu-like symptoms, can cause jaundice and can take a couple of months to recover from.

It can be passed through contaminated food or faecal matter.

The organisation said the 'evidence suggests that the infection originated outside the school' and the risk to the wider public was 'very low'.

Darren Paffey, ward councillor for Bargate which covers the school, said: “Firstly, I hope the child affected is making a full recovery.

"It’s obviously concerning to hear about a case of this rare virus, and I’m pleased that the school and the health authorities took swift and crucial action to prevent this spreading any further and to protect the wider community."

No further cases have been reported and the school said it encourages regular hand washing.

Parents reacted with concern when the news broke.

One parent whose children attend Valentine Primary School - which shares the same headteacher as St Mary’s - said: “I think it’s truly shocking.”

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School (Image: NQ, Jose Ramos)

Expert advice

Dr Anand Fernandes, Consultant in Health Protection for UKHSA South East said:  “Close contacts of the case have been identified and vaccinations were offered to them to prevent onward transmission within the setting. The risk to the wider population is very low.

“Hepatitis A is an infection caused by a virus, leading to inflammation of the liver. It is a relatively rare infection in the UK which can be spread from person-to-person through the faecal-oral route, or via contaminated food or drink and is often acquired when travelling abroad amongst unvaccinated travellers.”

What are the symptoms?

According to the national health agency, Hepatitis A is a viral infection which leads to swelling of the liver.

The symptoms are generally a flu-like illness, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, abdominal pains or a yellowing of the eyes or skin.

It is not usually serious, and most people make a full recovery within a couple of months, the UKHSA added.

Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to speak to their GP.

Dr Fernandes said: “Initial symptoms of hepatitis A are similar to flu and include mild fever, joint and muscle pain, feeling and being sick and diarrhoea.

“This may then be followed by other symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, passing very dark urine and pale stools.”

They added: “To help prevent the spread of infections it is important to wash hands with liquid soap and warm water and dry thoroughly, particularly after going to the toilet or changing nappies and before eating.

“In addition, any fruit or vegetables that cannot be peeled or cooked before eating, including salad produce, should always be washed thoroughly before eating.”

School statement in full

Southampton City Council, The Diocese of Winchester & The Diocese of Portsmouth, which runs the school, released a joint statement which said:

“The case was identified quickly and immediate action was taken to prevent the spread of infection.

"We worked with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the NHS to identify and a vaccination was offered to all close contacts as a precaution and the premises were deep cleaned.

"The case was first identified last month and as a result of the rapid response, no further cases have been reported.

"St Mary’s C of E Primary School, like all schools and early years settings in Southampton ensure children and staff wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day as standard practice.”