Hepatitis A cases confirmed at two Newcastle primary schools as parents sent urgent warning

Hepatitis A cases confirmed at two Newcastle primary schools as parents sent urgent warning The schools issued letters to parents, including advice and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), after two cases of the contagious hepatitis A infection were reported Two cases of hepatitis A have been reported among pupils at UK schools, with a warning issued to parents on what symptoms to look out for. Benton Park Primary and Central Walker Primary, both in Newcastle, sent letters to families including advice and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Hepatitis A, a contagious viral infection affecting the liver, is typically spread by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with microscopic amounts of stool from an infected person. The UKHSA is now working with both schools to ensure public any necessary public health actions are taken. Health bosses confirmed the risk to members of the public, other pupils and teachers was low, and 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. "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." Signs and symptoms of the disease include a high temperature, flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headache, and muscle pains, and a tummy ache. Patients may also experience dark urine, pale stools and jaundice of the eyes and skin. Most people to contract hepatitis A make a full recovery, reports Chronicle Live. Newcastle City Council declined to comment, directing inquiries to the public health team. It is understood that the schools remain open and advice, particularly around handwashing hygiene. The Mirror has contacted Benton Park Primary and Central Walker Primary for comment.