A vaccination clinic is being held at Surrey’s North Ridge Elementary today after several students and a staff member were diagnosed with hepatitis A.
Fraser Health issued an alert Sunday, recommending children and staff at the school be vaccinated so no one else contracts the viral liver infection.
A number of cases were initially diagnosed in one family connected to the school in recent months, according to officials, but it has since spread to other students and one teacher.
Fraser Health said because of the ongoing spread, other students and staff may already be ill or develop symptoms over the next month-and-a-half, depending if/when they were exposed.
However, If the vaccine is given within 14 days of exposure, the illness can be prevented.
The hepatitis A virus is found in bowel movements of infected people and without proper hand washing, can be passed to others through food preparation or other hand-to-mouth contact. It can also spread through sexual contact or sharing of needles or other equipment used in illegal drug use.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and jaundice (yellowing of skin). In rare cases, the infection can lead to liver failure and be fatal.
Though it’s not believed the general public is at risk, Fraser Health urges anyone who develops symptoms in the coming weeks to be tested.
Those who have had the virus before or had two doses of the vaccine do not need further vaccination. The vaccine is free.
The immunization clinic will be held March 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Ridge Elementary gymnasium at 13460 62 Ave. A second clinic will be held next week for families who are away for spring break.
Anyone with further questions can contact the Newton Health Unit at 604-592-2000 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For further information about the disease or the vaccine, click here or here (Punjabi).
