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Ashburton Hepatitis A outbreak prompts hand washing warning
MEDIA RELEASE
July 11, 2013
Ashburton Hepatitis A outbreak prompts hand washing warning
The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is contacting Ashburton schools about the importance of thorough hand washing following another case of Hepatitis A being confirmed in the area.
Dr Cheryl Brunton, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says in the last two months there have been 12 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A in Ashburton. The most recent case of Hepatitis A was confirmed yesterday and is a primary school pupil.
“Hepatitis A is a serious illness but one which can be easily prevented by good hand hygiene,” Dr Brunton says.
“Washing and drying your hands thoroughly after toileting, changing nappies and before preparing food is crucial to preventing its spread.”
The CDHB has written to all schools in the Ashburton area to reiterate the importance of thorough hand washing.
“We’re also asking schools to keep an eye out for children or staff with possible symptoms of Hepatitis A. People with symptoms are being asked to see their doctor promptly and to stay away from school until they have been given a clearance by their doctor,” Dr Brunton says.
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.
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 June 18,
2013.
Dr Brunton says known contacts of this latest case are being followed up to prevent further spread.
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.
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