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A public health warning has been issued after two pupils from Newcastle primary schools contracted Hepatitis A, a potentially life-threatening liver infection that can resemble flu.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reportedly written to parents at Benton Park and Central Walker primary schools with advice on symptoms and steps to reduce the risk of infection.
However it stressed that the risk to the other pupils, teachers and the wider public remains low.
Health bosses also confirmed there is currently no evidence of the illness being transmitted at either school.
Jonathan Lawler, consultant in health protection at UKHSA North East, said: ‘We are working with both schools and other relevant partners to ensure all necessary public health actions are carried out.
‘The schools are also working with partners and following health protection advice to increase hygiene measures to prevent transmission.’
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that is typically spread through food or water contaminated with traces of infected faeces.
It can also be passed on through close contact with an infected person, or by eating food that has been handled by someone carrying the virus.
Vaccination against hepatitis A is the best metho pf protection – but it is not routinely offered in the UK because infection is relatively uncommon
Symptoms can include a high temperature, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation, itchy skin and jaundice – which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.
While the illness can prove fatal, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems, most children experience mild symptoms.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A – but it is not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of getting infected is low.
Instead, according to the NHS, people only need to be vaccinated if they are at high risk of catching or getting seriously ill from the infection.
This includes those who are travelling to a country where the virus is common – such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America – anyone with long-term liver disease and those whose job puts them at risk of infection.
Experts have not yet said what is behind the life-threatening liver disease, but following an outbreak in 2022, have pointed to a strain of the common cold.
A leading theory is that children’s immune systems have been weakened because of lockdowns and school closures during the pandemic.
According to official figures, there were 889 confirmed hepatitis A cases in England and Wales in 2024, up 70 per cent from 2022 figures.
Both schools reportedly remain open while health officials continue their investigations.
