What you need to know about Hepatitis A, as local outbreak reported

Kate Ng
Updated
Liver anatomical model on doctor's table during hepatologist consultation for patient with side pain in background. Treatment liver diseases in medicine, conceptual image�
Hepatitis A is an infection that affects the liver. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

NHS Scotland has issued a health warning to residents of Lanarkshire after an outbreak of hepatitis A.

People living in the Cumbernauld area in North Lanarkshire have been told to be on the lookout for the disease and to report any symptoms, while the health board has launched an investigation into a “small number” of cases.

Dr Alison Smith-Palmer, public health consultant, said in a statement: "We are working closely with the cases, their families and their close contacts who, as a precautionary measure, are being offered the chance to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A infection.

"The Hepatitis A vaccine is a well-established, safe and effective vaccine which provides protection against infection to those who receive the vaccine and also helps to protect people who may have other health conditions and may be at risk of severe illness if they become infected with Hepatitis A.

"We are also asking the local residents in Cumbernauld to be aware of the symptoms and signs of Hepatitis A infection and if they are experiencing any symptoms and signs to seek medical attention."

Here’s everything you need to know about Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It causes acute liver inflammation, but most people who contract it get better within a few months, the NHS says.

Both adults and children can experience Hepatitis A, however, adults have signs and symptoms of illness more often than children.

The disease becomes more severe, with the potential for fatal outcomes higher, among older age groups. The World Health Organisation advises that children under the age of six who become infected do not usually experience noticeable symptoms.

However, Hepatitis A can sometimes relapse, which means a person who has just recovered from it can fall sick again, usually followed again by recovery.

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads in faeces. You can contract it from:

  • Drinking unclean water

  • Eating food that has been washed or grown in unclean water

  • Eating food that has been handled by an infected person

  • Close physical contact with an infected person, including having sex and sharing needles to take drugs

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

  • A high temperature

  • Flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headache and muscle pains

  • Feeling sick or being sick

  • Pain in the upper stomach

  • Diarrhoea or constipation

  • Pale yellow or pale grey stools

  • Dark brown urine

  • Itchy skin, which may include hives

  • Jaundice, which appears as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

Hepatitis related jaundice
Jaundice, which means the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, is a symptom of Hepatitis A. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Hepatitis A is very contagious. If you have Hepatitis A, you usually stay infectious for seven days after jaundice starts, or seven days after your symptoms started, if you have not had jaundice.

You should limit contact with other people for seven days after your symptoms began or seven days after jaundice started. Adults should stay off work and children should stay out of school or nursery.

People who are ill with Hepatitis A should also rest and drink plenty of fluids, take painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol, keep their rooms well-ventilated and wear loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable, and wash their hands very thoroughly after going to the toilet.

Because Hepatitis A usually clears up on its own within three to six months, your GP may offer you medicines to help ease some of the symptoms, such as painkillers or medication to stop you feeling sick or itchy.

A small number of people who become infected with Hepatitis A may experience liver problems. In these cases, they may need blood tests to check their liver is working properly.

The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. However, the vaccines are not usually offered in the UK due to a low risk of infection, and you will only need to get a vaccine if you are at high risk of catching it.

You may be at high risk of catching Hepatitis A if you have recently been in close physical contact with an infected person, or are travelling to a country where Hepatitis A is common.

Other risk factors include working in a job that puts you at risk of infection, such as being a healthcare worker or a sewage worker. Your employer should organise your vaccination in this case.

Read more about health and wellness:

Advertisement