Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Hepatitis A contained at Christchurch preschool
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday,
April 12, 2013
Hepatitis A contained at Christchurch preschool
Pupils, caregivers, parents and staff from Linwood Kindercare were provided with a Hepatitis A vaccine today (Friday) to prevent potential spread of the virus.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the vaccination was provided after a child from the preschool was diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
The preschooler diagnosed with Hepatitis A belongs to a Christchurch family that has 12 confirmed Hepatitis A cases. There have been no cases reported in people outside this extended family.
“Hepatitis A is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, and good hand hygiene, particularly thorough hand washing, is key to preventing its spread. Preschools can be a high risk environment for the spread of Hepatitis A, particularly where there is nappy changing,” Dr Humphrey says.
“A hundred and 56 Hepatitis A vaccinations were provided at the preschool today, including every child who attends the preschool, relatives at risk, and staff.”
Dr Humphrey has congratulated the preschool and the parents involved for fully supporting the vaccination programme.
“This is an outstanding effort from the staff, parents and public health nurses. Everyone needing the Hepatitis A vaccine turned up for vaccination today and was quickly processed. The preschool should be commended for the way they have handled this situation. Their actions, and that of parents, have successfully contained Hepatitis A from spreading at the preschool,” Dr Humphrey says.
Linwood Kindercare centre director Lynette Katene says that the centre worked closely with CDHB Public Health Nurses and Community and Public Health to ensure all those eligible for a free vaccine got one.
“We’re delighted that our efforts have helped ensure that there has been no outbreak at Linwood Kindercare,” she says.
Lynette Katene says this experience is a reminder to preschools of the importance of having very high hand washing and hygiene standards.
ENDS
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
Braden Currie: Sets Sights On The Ironman North American Championships In Texas
Whanganui Regional Museum: Historic Wedding Dress Unveiled, A Piece Of Marton’s Heritage
Donovan Ryan: Local Runner Takes Out Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts