A Health Alert: Hepatitis A Cases in Tamworth
The Hunter New England Local Health District is urging the Tamworth community and visitors to the Tamworth Country Music Festival to take note of Hepatitis A and its symptoms. Since November, six cases of Hepatitis A have been reported in the area, with three of these cases occurring within a single household. The source of infection for the remaining cases remains under investigation.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can range from mild symptoms in children to severe liver failure and, in rare cases, death in older individuals. Dr. David Durrheim, a Public Health Physician, emphasizes the importance of awareness, especially with the festival's upcoming large crowds.
Dr. Durrheim advises, "Practise excellent hand hygiene and food safety, and seek medical advice if symptoms arise. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water, or direct contact with an infected person. Crowded places and busy food services can heighten transmission risks."
He recommends vaccination as the best protection, especially for those at higher risk of severe Hepatitis A illness or infection. Those with chronic liver disease, or working in high-risk settings like childcare, disability care, plumbing, health care, or food handling, are encouraged to consider vaccination.
Good hand hygiene is crucial. Dr. Durrheim suggests washing hands with soap and water for at least 10 seconds, especially after using the toilet and before food preparation or consumption. Alcohol hand sanitizers are less effective against Hepatitis A.
If you experience diarrhea or Hepatitis A symptoms, refrain from preparing food for others. Public health will directly assist confirmed cases, offering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccines or immunoglobulin within 14 days to prevent illness.
Despite some cases attending childcare centers, no evidence suggests Hepatitis A transmission within these settings. Childcare facilities should maintain vigilant hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, reporting potential cases to public health.
Symptoms may be mild or absent in children, but adults may experience fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, and jaundice. Symptoms typically appear two to seven weeks after exposure, so avoid food preparation and consult a GP or Healthdirect if affected.
Food businesses and home cooks should ensure frequent handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol hand gel alone is not reliable. Regularly clean commonly touched surfaces with a 1:100 bleach solution. Those at risk of severe Hepatitis A should discuss vaccination with their doctor.
Many GPs and community pharmacies in NSW offer Hepatitis A vaccination, with pharmacists administering vaccines (privately funded) to those aged five and above. State-funded vaccines may be provided for eligible contacts during outbreak management.
For more information, visit the Hepatitis A Fact Sheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/hepatitis_a.aspx.
