HUNTER New England Local Health District is asking the Tamworth community and visitors to the Tamworth Country Music Festival to be aware of hepatitis A and its symptoms after six cases have been notified in the area since November last year.
Three cases have occurred in one household, while the source of infection for the remaining cases has not yet been identified.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infection of the liver, with severity that can range from causing mild illness in young children, to liver failure and, in rare cases, death in older people.
Dr David Durrheim, Public Health Physician, HNELHD, said it’s important for the Tamworth community to be aware of hepatitis A and its symptoms, especially ahead of the Country Music Festival being held from January 16-25.
“With thousands of visitors expected very soon, we’re asking residents, businesses and festival goers to practise excellent hand hygiene and food safety, and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Hepatitis A is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or through direct contact with an infected person. Crowded accommodation and busy food service can increase risk of transmission.
“Vaccination, the best protection against hepatitis A infection, is safe and effective and is strongly recommended for people at higher risk of serious hepatitis A illness or of acquiring the infection.
“We encourage the community to consider vaccination if they have chronic liver disease, or work in a high-risk setting such as childcare, disability care, plumbing or sewerage, health care, or food handling.
“The community is reminded to regularly practice good hand hygiene. Alcohol hand sanitiser is less effective against hepatitis A, and people should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 10 seconds and dry thoroughly – especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food,” Dr Durrheim said.
“People should not prepare food for others if experiencing diarrhoea or symptoms of hepatitis A.
“If you’re a contact of a confirmed case, public health will work with you directly and may arrange post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine or immunoglobulin to be provided to you within 14 days, to help prevent illness.”
Dr Durrheim said while some of the confirmed cases attended childcare centres, there is no evidence to date that transmission of hepatitis A occurred within childcare settings.
Centres should maintain vigilant hand hygiene and environmental cleaning and report potential cases to public health on 4924 6477.
Advice on symptoms, food preparation, and when to seek care includes:
Hepatitis A symptoms can be mild or absent in young children. Adults are more likely to have symptoms, which can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light coloured stools, and jaundice (yellow eyes/skin);
Symptoms typically begin two to seven weeks after exposure. If you develop these symptoms, avoid preparing food for others and see your GP or call Healthdirect (1800 022 222);
Crowded accommodation and busy food services can increase risk of transmission of infections including hepatitis A;
Food businesses and home cooks should ensure frequent handwashing with soap and water. Alcohol hand gel alone is not reliable against hepatitis A;
Commonly touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly. A freshly prepared 1:100 bleach solution is effective for environmental disinfection; and
People at risk of severe illness or death from hepatitis A, including those with liver disease and some developmental disabilities, should discuss vaccination with their doctor.
Many GPs and community pharmacies in NSW can provide hepatitis A vaccination.
Pharmacists can administer hepatitis A vaccines (privately funded) to people aged five years and over.
State-funded vaccines may be offered for eligible contacts as part of outbreak management, with check with pharmacists or GPs recommended.
More information is available in multiple languages at Hepatitis A Fact Sheet.
