A press release by Public Health Scotland yesterday (28/01/19) confirmed that a pupil at St Mary’s Primary School in Alexandria had contracted Hepatitis A. It is understood that this is an isolated case. The primary school have confirmed that on Friday 1^st February, the Hepatitis A vaccination will be offered to all pupils. Officials from Public Health Scotland will be holding an information session from 3-4pm today for all parents at St Mary’s Primary School who have any questions or concerns regarding the incident. It has not been disclosed in what environment the pupil contracted the illness.

Jackie Baillie said:

“The news that a pupil at St Mary’s Primary school in Alexandria has contracted Hepatitis A is of course deeply concerning. While, at present, this is an isolated case, action must be taken quickly to ensure that no other pupils become ill. This means not only carrying out emergency vaccinations, as the NHS is already doing; but trying to identify the source of the infection. It is also important to ensure that the standards of sanitation, cleanliness and food hygiene within the school are reviewed and education is provided for how best to prevent Hepatitis A from spreading in the home. I am confident that St Mary’s is doing everything they can to protect their pupils and I wish the pupil concerned a full and speedy recovery.”

ENDS