Three children catch Hepatitis A

The Department of Public Health is taking all the necessary precautions after three children were infected with Hepatitis A, which is normally associated with bad hygiene.

The department said yesterday it had reason to believe that the three cases were related and it was taking all the measures to control the situation and ensure the infection does not spread. All those people who have in some way or another come into contact with the infected children have been vaccinated.

The Health Division informed the teachers and parents of the children, who attend the same school, that there was no health risk and no reason why children should not attend school.

The division took the opportunity to advise the public to observe basic hygienic practices, such as washing hands properly, to avoid the chance of infections.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus found in the faeces of people who have this disease and is usually spread by close personal contact. Most infections result from contact with a household member or sex partner who has Hepatitis A. Casual contact, as in the usual office, factory, or school setting, does not spread the virus.