Hepatitis A outbreak at Surrey elementary school
Posted March 15, 2015 8:01 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS1130) – Even though it’s Spring Break, some students will be going to school on Monday. An elementary school in Surrey is holding an immunization clinic after an outbreak of hepatitis A.
The Fraser Health Authority sent parents a letter on Friday telling them there had been cases of the virus involving both students and one staff member at North Ridge Elementary School.
“Our focus has been on helping Fraser Health in carrying out what it wants to do. Our staff has been very busy for the last couple of days helping to contact students, families as well as staff. And cleaning the school and setting up for the immunization clinic, so it has been a hectic few days,” says Doug Strachan with the Surrey School District.
Hepatitis A is a viral disease of the liver, spread through improper hand-washing that causes diarrhea, vomiting and jaundice.
The health authority says children with hepatitis A often have more mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
“Hepatitis A is quite uncommon in British Columbia. Most hepatitis A comes from food that has been imported or from somebody who has travelled and as brought it back with them.” says Dr. Helena Swinkles with Fraser Health who is not revealing how many students are affected due to privacy concerns.
The vaccination clinic is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and there will be another one held next week for any children who aren’t able to attend the first one on Monday.
