Hepatitis A outbreak hits school

Immunisations will be administered starting on Monday

All staff and pupils at a Merseyside primary school are being immunised against Hepatitis A after an outbreak in the local community.

Four children at Lander Road Primary School, Bootle, and five other people were struck down with the virus but have since recovered.

The symptoms of Hepatitis A, which is an infection of the liver, include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is investigating the source of the virus.

Dr Evdokia Dardamissis, a consultant with the HPA, paid tribute to school staff and local nurses for their "brilliant job" in containing the outbreak.

Hand washing

"We have identified nine people who caught the infection and I am glad to say all nine have made a full recovery," said Dr Dardamissis.

"Hopefully we won't see many more cases but of course we are being watchful and doing everything possible to contain the situation."

Dr Dardamissis said the immunisation programme was being offered to the school as a precautionary measure.

"The most important thing people can do is wash their hands after going to the toilet and before and after food," she added.

"It is also important to clean toilets very thoroughly if they are used by people who have the Hepatitis A infection."

Staff and pupils at the school are expected to start the immunisation programme on Monday.