Date: Fri 19-Jun-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

health-hepatitis-schools

Full Text:

Hepatitis Scare In Three Local Schools

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Parents at three local schools are being notified of a hepatitis risk,

following the confirmation of hepatitis A in two adults.

Newtown's Director of Health Mark Cooper could not release the names of the

individuals, but did say that one of them had reason to be in three local

schools.

The schools in question are Hawley School, Newtown Middle School and Head O'

Meadow School.

Mr Cooper said that "the possibility of transmission to students is very

small." The diagnosed individuals were not in a food-handling position within

the schools.

Mr Cooper recommends vigorous hand-washing to reduce the risks of transmission

of the disease. Mr Cooper said that hepatitis A is a risk for the elderly or

those with a weak immune system. He also said that by age 40, more than half

the population has had hepatitis A without even knowing it.

The first indicators of hepatitis A, according to Mr Cooper, are flu-like

symptoms (stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea) and also jaundice (a yellowing

of the complexion).