MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Nearly 300 Hep A vaccines provided in Ashburton

An outbreak of Hepatitis A in Ashburton has led Canterbury health officials to reissue advice on the importance of thorough hand washing.

In the last four weeks in Ashburton there have been 11 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A, including four children aged under 5 years.

Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health division held three clinics in Ashburton with about 300 adults and children receiving a vaccination. The most recent clinic was held on Monday (June 18).
Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury medical officer of health, says hand washing is key to preventing the spread of the disease.

“Hepatitis A is transmitted when people fail to properly wash their hands after using the toilet,” Dr Pink says.

Hepatitis A is a serious illness but one which can be easily prevented by good hand hygiene.

“Washing and drying your hands thoroughly after toileting, changing nappies and before preparing food is crucial to preventing its spread.”

Dr Pink says the spread of other illnesses, such as whooping cough and the flu, are also reduced by thorough hand washing.

Hepatitis A symptoms may include:

• nausea and vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
• dark urine
• pale faeces
• feeling unwell
• lack of energy
• not feeling like eating
• stomach upset and pains
• fever
• general aches and pains.

Anyone with a confirmed case of Hepatitis A needs to stay away from work, school or early childhood centre until they are well and it’s been at least 7 days after the onset of symptoms. People with Hepatitis A should not prepare meals for others while infectious.

ENDS

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