Call for hand washing as Hepatitis A hits Peterborough school

Keep Hepatitis A at bay by teaching handwashing

The importance of encouraging children to wash their hands well

A school in Peterborough in the UK had an unfortunate outbreak of a reportedly “small number” of Hepatitis A cases, which had prompted the health authorities to renew a call for diligent hand washing, according to a recent report on the Peterborough Telegraph website. 

The article by Stephen Briggs reveals that as a result of prompt action by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) any risk to the wider community were kept to an absolute minimum. Hepatitis A vaccinations were offered to a number of children and pupils of the affected primary and day nursery, which share the same site. The potential vaccinations were described as a “cautionary measure”.

The importance of teaching handwashing

A letter sent to parents and carers revealed that children “can easily transmit the virus to others who are susceptible” and that infection spread “can be prevented by good hygiene, especially hand washing.”

The article quotes a Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA East of England, named as Dr James McGowan, who assured the wider community that risk levels were comparatively low.

He also revealed a really effective to minimise the risk of the spread of the illness – and it’s a surprisingly simple one.

“We have also advised anyone who may have been exposed to the virus, to be aware of the symptoms and to encourage good handwashing with hot water and soap, as this is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections, including Hepatitis A.”

The UKHSA are presenting adults with what they refer to as an “opportunity to teach children about the importance of good hygiene  in the light of the high number of winter viruses – in particularly norovirus and flu.

The latter is said to be “circulating at high levels in the community” – and incidents of other illnesses – including the highly unpleasant norovirus – are also described as “high”.

“Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser when convenient, is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.”

The guidance also cautions against the over-reliance on such gels, stating that they are an interim measure only, not being particularly effective under certain circumstances.

“Alcohol gels don’t kill all bugs so don’t rely on these.”

Pupils and staff at school in Peterborough offered vaccination after ‘small number of cases’ of Hepatitis A detected »

Teach handwashing to young children with the Teal KiddiSynk
Teach handwashing to young children with the Teal KiddiSynk

Mobile hand washing sinks – for everyone!

Teal produces portable hand washing sinks that are idea for preschool and nursery children including the KiddiSynk and KiddiWash, which can be used equally effectively indoor or out.

The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWashHygienius and Hygienius ProWashBigSynkSuper StalletteTEALwashHandeman XtraCompact ClassicHandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.

How to choose the correct mobile sink »