NHS Lanarkshire investigating hepatitis A outbreak as locals urged to be on alert for symptoms

NHS Lanarkshire is dealing with an outbreak of hepatitis A with locals urged to be on high alert for symptoms.

The health board has said it is investigating a “small number” of cases in the Cumbernauld area.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.

The virus is usually spread through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person.

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

Symptoms usually develop around four weeks after exposure to the virus.

Dr Alison Smith-Palmer, public health consultant, said: “We are aware of a small number of cases of hepatitis A in the Cumbernauld area.

“We are working closely with the cases, their families and their close contacts who, as a precautionary measure, are being offered the chance to get vaccinated against hepatitis A infection.

“The hepatitis A vaccine is a well established safe and effective vaccine which provides protection against infection to those who receive the vaccine and also helps to protect people who may have other health conditions and may be at risk of severe illness if they become infected with hepatitis A.

“We are also asking the local residents in Cumbernauld to be aware of the symptoms and signs of hepatitis A infection and if they are experiencing any symptoms or signs to seek medical attention.

“More information on hepatitis A is available on the NHS Inform website. You can go to the NHS Inform home page and type in “hepatitis A” in the search box.

“Any questions that people may have which are not answered by the above information, or by the NHS Inform website, can be raised with the NHS Lanarkshire Health Protection Team by phoning 01698 752952.

Hepatitis A symptoms include: