Hamilton Township and the Hamilton Township School District released a public notice after a case of Hepatitis A was found in a student at Nottingham High School.
Those already vaccinated for Hepatitis A have no risk of contracting Hepatitis A. The school district’s release said those children who have not received the Hepatitis A vaccine should receive one as soon as possible. Uninsured children may come to the Hamilton Township Health Department at 2100 Greenwood Ave. for the vaccine. Call (609) 890-3884 for an appointment.
Local and state health officials believe that the chance of contracting Hepatitis A is small.
Hepatitis A is an illness of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. The virus is shed in the stool of the infected person, and people become infected with hepatitis A by swallowing the virus. This can occur when an individual eats or drinks food or water contaminated with hepatitis A virus, or has direct contact with an infected person who has poor personal hygiene.
Those infected with Hepatitis A may display a range of symptoms including fever, fatigue, poor appetite, vomiting or abdominal discomfort, dark colored urine, clay or pale colored stool, yellow discoloration to skin and whites of the eye.
Young children with Hepatitis A usually do not display symptoms, yet may be a source of infection to close household contacts by sharing food and eating and drinking utensils.
No specific medications, including antibiotics, are indicated for the treatment of Hepatitis A. Most individuals fully recover on their own after a few weeks. The Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent Hepatitis A virus.
Township officials ask residents to notify their health care provider and the Hamilton Township Local Health Department at (609) 890-3884, if they or their household members develop any of the symptoms listed above.
