Public health officials are currently investigating a small number of hepatitis A cases in North Lanarkshire. NHS Lanarkshire has identified several instances of this contagious liver infection in the Cumbernauld area.
Hepatitis A can vary in severity, from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a more severe form that may persist for several months. Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. Infected individuals might also experience pain in the upper-right abdomen, skin rashes, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itchy skin, and abdominal pain and swelling.
Vaccinations are being offered to those who have been in contact with affected individuals, and residents in the area are advised to be vigilant for symptoms, though the illness can sometimes be asymptomatic.
Dr. Alison Smith-Palmer, a public health consultant, stated, “We are aware of a small number of hepatitis A cases in the Cumbernauld area. The virus typically spreads through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. We are working closely with those affected, their families, and their close contacts, who are being offered the hepatitis A vaccine as a precaution. This vaccine is well-established, safe, and effective, providing protection against infection and safeguarding individuals with other health conditions who might be at greater risk of severe illness.”
Dr. Smith-Palmer also urged local residents to be aware of hepatitis A symptoms and to seek medical attention if they experience any signs of infection.
There is no specific cure for hepatitis A; it usually resolves on its own within a few months. However, it can occasionally persist for longer and, in rare cases, lead to life-threatening liver failure.
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