A CASE of Hepatitis A has been confirmed at St Elphin's CE Primary School.

The school sent a letter to parents earlier this week stating that one of the pupils had the virus and vaccinations would be offered to nursery and reception students as well as their teachers.

A relative of a pupil said that there are many people concerned about the school staying open during this time.

They said: "NHS states that those with the illness are at their most infectious two weeks before any symptoms start to show- it has now been confirmed but who is to say how many more may have been infected during that time?

"Also, although younger children are most vulnerable it doesn't mean that everyone else is immune- is it not safer to vaccinate all students and teachers?

"Most of the symptoms are ones that any parent could easily mistake as 'just a bug' and dismiss them as a mere cold or mild food poisoning."

Public Health England North West’s Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection team is working closely with Warrington Borough Council to prevent transmission from this case.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, consultant in communicable disease at PHE North West, said: "We are offering immunisation to close contacts with the case to prevent any further spread of infection.

"We are aware that even though any risk to children is low, parents and carers may have concerns and we would like to reassure that we are offering immunisation to close contacts as a precaution."

Hepatitis A is a virus, different to Hepatitis B and C, that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, jaundice and a general feeling of discomfort or illness in adults.

Patients normally make a complete recovery and have life-long immunity thereafter.

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It can spread from person to person, but it usually requires close contact.

Thorough hand-washing with soap and warm water after going to the toilet and before preparing, serving or eating food is the best defence against this virus.