A case of Hepatitis A has been discovered at a primary school in Clydebank.

Parents, carers, and guardians of children at Our Lady of Loretto in Dalmuir were recently told that a child at the school had contracted the liver infection. 

In a letter sent out to families, it states that the Castle Street school has not been identified as a suspected source of the infection.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said it is encouraging those assessed as close contacts to get a “timely” Hepatitis A vaccination.

A spokesperson for the health board commented: “We can confirm that a recent case of Hepatitis A has been identified at Our Lady of Loretto Primary School in Dalmuir.

“We would like to reassure parents and the public that while Hepatitis A can be unpleasant, the infection is rarely serious in children, and symptoms are usually short-lived.

“However it is important that we do all we can to prevent its spread. Timely hepatitis A vaccination is highly effective at preventing the infection, and parents of children at the school who require vaccination are being invited to have their child vaccinated.

“We encourage them to take up that offer. We have provided information about hepatitis A to staff and parents of children in the relevant year groups at the school, and we are also working closely with West Dunbartonshire Environmental Health Department to support the school with environmental measures such as handwashing.

“We would like to remind parents and staff that if their child, or anyone in their family, develops symptoms of Hepatitis A they should contact their GP or, if it is out of hours, NHS 24 on 111.”

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The letter goes on to state that NHSGGC has reviewed the risk relating to the infection and that the risk to the school community is ‘low’.

Recommended precautionary procedures have also been put in place however, West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) did not specify what these were.

A WDC spokesperson added: “The council has acted on the advice of Public Health Scotland, and all recommended precautionary measures have been put in place.”

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, pale stools, dark urine, and sometimes the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the inflammation of the liver.

The infection can be caused by consuming contaminated food or water but it can also be spread from someone with the infection to others in the same environment.

For further information on Hepatitis A visit NHS Scotland’s website HERE.