AN OUTBREAK of Hepatitis A has been uncovered at another school in Denbighshire.

About 180 people, associated with Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, will be involved in a vaccination session on Monday.

The vaccination session for year seven pupils and teaching and cleaning staff comes after a pupil contracted the the viral infection.

There has been a "substantial" increase in Hepatitis A cases across North Wales since the beginning of 2017.

Geraint Parry, headteacher at Ysgol Brynhyfryd secondary school, said: "We have been working closely with health professionals to take the necessary steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our staff and pupils.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep everyone informed of any developments."

Public Health Wales, with the environmental health department of Denbighshire County Council are continuing to investigate the source of the infection.

Vaccination at the school is being offered as a precaution as Hepatitis A spreads easily between children and young people, who will often not have symptoms but can still transmit infection to other people.

Dr Christopher Johnson, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: "Hepatitis A is a viral infection, usually short lived, that has unpleasant symptoms but is rarely serious. Children often only have a very mild illness or do not have symptoms at all.

Symptoms can include flu-like illness such as tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches and fever, as well as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pains, jaundice, very dark urine and itchy skin.

Good handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food is the best way to prevent the virus spreading.

"Children may pass the virus onto others without having symptoms so we are reminding parents to encourage good hand washing at all times."

In December 2017, about 170 people associated with a Ysgol Caer Drewyn, Corwen, were offered the Hepatitis A vaccination following an outbreak of the infection.

In November 2017, a total of 29 people - 20 children and nine adults – were vaccinated at Fun Days nursery, Rhyl. The vaccination session was held after a child attending the nursery was confirmed to have Hepatitis A. Also in November 2017, a vaccination session for around 150 children and around 30 adults at Ysgol Emmanuel was held after a child attending the premises was confirmed to have Hepatitis A.

In March 2017, there was a second outbreak of Hepatitis A in a child at Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant in Rhyl.

People are advised to contact their own GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 if they have any concerns about their health or their child’s health.

Hepatitis A vaccination is not routinely offered on the NHS as the infection is rare in the UK. Further information about Hepatitis A is available on the Public Health Wales website at www.wales.nhs.uk