Hepatitis A cases at two schools

The hepatitis A virus infects the liver

Children and some staff at a primary school and a special school are being vaccinated against hepatitis A after several pupils contracted the disease.

A student at Winnall Primary School and another at Osborne Special School in Winchester, Hampshire, were diagnosed with the liver infection recently.

Letters were sent to parents about the immunisation programme.

Hampshire County Council said efforts had been made "to prevent further spread of the virus".

As a precautionary measure, a vaccination programme is being implemented for both staff and children where appropriate Councillor David Kirk

Councillor David Kirk, from Hampshire County Council, said: "I wish to reassure parents of children at the schools concerned that as soon as they were made aware of the outbreak by the Health Protection Agency, school staff have worked closely with health colleagues and are following their advice to prevent further spread of the virus.

"As a result of the advice from the agency, and as a precautionary measure, a vaccination programme is being implemented for both staff and children where appropriate."

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Health Protection Unit said one child was diagnosed with hepatitis A at Winnall a couple of months ago.

"We managed it in the usual way with a single case - we check to see whether there is a travel issue and then offer immunisation to the immediate family," said a spokeswoman.

"A child was also diagnosed at the special school last week, and over the half term we became more aware of other cases in the Winchester area.

Personal hygiene

"Special needs pupils may need help with toileting and the virus is present in faeces," she added.

Staff and pupils will be immunised at Osborne Special School next Monday and Tuesday.

The majority of people from the UK who become infected with hepatitis A contract it when abroad.

It is estimated to affect up to 10 million people worldwide each year. It is spread because of poor personal hygiene and there is no specific treatment.

The most obvious symptom is jaundice - others include weakness, tiredness, headache, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Hepatitis A is usually less severe in children and young adults.

However, the severity of the illness is generally worse in older people.