Darling Downs Public Health Unit is managing two confirmed cases of locally acquired Hepatitis A in Toowoomba.

The residents were active in the community and a child attended a local school whilst infectious from 14 May 2023.

Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection, which is usually spread from person to person by faecal oral route especially when faeces from an infected person contaminates something which is transferred to another person’s mouth.

To help prevent further spread of the virus within the community, a pop-up vaccination clinic will be held at Darling Heights State School today, Thursday, 29 June from 7am to 11am and 3pm to 6.30pm; and tomorrow, Friday, 30 June from 7am to 11am.

Students, parents, siblings and teachers of Darling Heights State School are encouraged to get the free Hepatitis A vaccine – bring your Medicare card, no booking is required.

The symptoms of Hepatitis A infection include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, generalised aches and pains, nausea, lack of appetite, abdominal discomfort and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine and pale stools.) It can take up to 50 days from contact with the virus until a person starts to feel unwell.

As well as the safe and effective vaccination for close contacts, the best way to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A is through good hygiene and high hand-washing standards.

If you or your child develops any symptoms of Hepatitis A, visit your General Practitioner.

People with Hepatitis A should not return to work, school, or childcare until they are no longer infectious which is at least seven days after the onset of jaundice.

For more information visit Hepatitis A (health.qld.gov.au)

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 29 June 2023.