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Media Release - 17/01/2006
Update on 'Hepatitis A' Cases in Christchurch
A total of 23 cases of ‘Hepatitis A’ have now been notified
to the Medical Officer of Health for Canterbury since Boxing Day 2005 and 3
cases prior to Christmas.
Vaccinations against ‘Hepatitis A’ were offered to staff, children, and family
members at the Ferrymead’s ABC Learning Centre today. More than 270 vaccinations
were given today.
Community and Public Health staff, have met with ABC Learning Centre staff,
parents and family members and discussed the issues involved. Over 25 Community
and Public Health staff worked in two shifts responding to questions and
administering vaccine.
“Centre staff and parents were extremely co-operative,” said Medical Officer of
Health for Dr Mel Brieseman.
Arrangements have also been made for a small number of other contacts with close
association to receive their immunisation.
Dr Brieseman stressed that because of the seven week incubation period of
‘Hepatitis A’ and due to the recent holiday period and its attendant family
gatherings, it is likely that more associated cases will occur.
“There is the possibility of others incubating the disease, so we will be
continuing to closely monitor for additional cases,” he said.
The need to offer vaccination on this wider scale was seen as an important
outbreak control measure. In similar situations overseas vaccination on this
scale has proved effective in resolving an outbreak.
“Those vaccinated today, will be asked to have a booster shot in six months
time. This will provide long lasting immunity.”
“Hand washing after going to the toilet or changing babies nappies and before
handling food is the key to prevention not only of hepatitis but of a number of
other enteric (bowel) infections, as well as diseases such as influenza and the
common cold,” Dr Brieseman said.
“This is the most important lesson to learn for the community as a whole from
this situation and is a reminder that the basic principles of basic hygiene are
essential.”
Ends.
Further information contact:
Dr M A Brieseman
Medical Officer
Community & Public Health
Ph 3799480 Extn 803
Ministry of Health - Fact Sheet Information
Hepatitis A is spread through contact with the faeces (poo,
tutae) of an infected person.
It can be passed on through:
close personal contact – including sexual
poor personal hygiene
sharing personal things with an infected person (toothbrushes, facecloths, towels, etc)
contaminated water or milk
contaminated food – including shellfish, from infected sewage
The most infectious period for hepatitis A is usually from
two weeks before jaundice shows
until one week after. A blood test will show if someone has hepatitis A
infection.
Thorough hand-washing with soap and water stops the infection from being passed
on to other people. General household hygiene, advised at all times, includes:
washing hands before and after preparing food
washing hands before eating
washing hands after going to the toilet or changing baby’s nappy
Bed-linen, underpants, towels and handkerchiefs used during
the illness should be washed in hot water and detergent.
Hepatitis A help
Close contacts of the person with the hepatitis A virus may be offered an injection of antibodies (gammaglobulin) for temporary protection
Immunisation may be offered to contacts and is available for long-term protection against hepatitis A
Immunisation or gammaglobulin is recommended for travellers to some countries
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is an illness that your doctor notifies to the Medical Officer of
Health in your local public health service. The public health service arranges
for follow-up, offers protection to contacts, and checks for a common food
source.
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| CDHB Communications |
