Vaccinations offered after Hepatitis A outbreak linked to Aberdeen primary school

A small number of Hepatitis A cases have been identified at a primary school in Aberdeen.

“More than one” case of the virus has been reported at Braehead Primary School in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen City Council confirmed.

Officials said that the school is working with NHS Grampian to provide advice and support to those affected and close contacts are being offered a hepatitis A vaccination.

The confirmed cases did not acquire the infection from a school setting.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that there has been more than one case of Hepatitis A in those attending Braehead School.

“The confirmed cases did not acquire the infection in the school setting. We are working alongside NHS Grampian to ensure that advice and support is provided to those who need it.”

NHS Grampian said that there is “no information to suggest the spread of the infection” within an education or childcare setting.

Dr William Moore, consultant in public health medicine, at NHS Grampian said: “There have been a small number of recent hepatitis A cases in the Bridge of Don area. As a precaution, the NHS Grampian Health Protection Team are working with an education setting and a childcare setting. Potential close contacts are being offered appropriate advice and hepatitis A vaccination.

“The confirmed cases did not acquire hepatitis A infection within the education setting or childcare setting. There is currently no information to suggest spread of the infection within either setting.

“Parents and guardians are being contacted directly with appropriate information and advice. Effective hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food, is an important protective measure.”

NHS Inform describes hepatitis A as a liver infection that’s spread in the faeces of an infected person.

It is not usually serious and most people get better within a couple of months.

Some people with hepatitis A, particularly young children, won’t have any symptoms.

Symptoms tend to occur around four weeks after exposure and can include joint and muscle pain, a fever, loss of appetite, swollen and tender abdomen, dark urine, and pale stools.