Pupils from primary school in Schoonhoven infected with jaundice Interior

The hepatitis A virus can cause inflammation of the liver. The virus starts with flu symptoms such as abdominal complaints, nausea, loss of appetite and fever. The typical characteristics of jaundice may develop after a few days: yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, dark-colored urine and putty-colored stools. People with a different liver disease and the elderly run an increased risk of a more serious course of the disease. The disease usually lasts a few weeks in children, adults can be sick longer. During that process you can feel tired for a long time.

Virus in stool

It is still unclear how the infection could have taken place at the school. The GGD does report that the hepatitis A virus is in the stools of people who are infected by it. After visiting the toilet, the virus can, for example, be on the toilet seat, flush button, tap or door handle. This allows the virus to enter the mouth through the hands. Through the hands it can also end up on toys, cutlery, crockery and food. From a week before the complaints to a week afterwards, others can become infected. So even if there are no complaints, you can infect others.

The GGD advises parents in Schoonhoven to contact the doctor if they suspect hepatitis A, after which a blood test can show whether the child is actually sick. Those affected will stay at home for a week, reports a spokesperson for De Vlieger.

Once people have had the disease, they have lifelong protection and can therefore no longer fall ill. People who have been vaccinated once have temporary protection; long-term protection requires a series of two vaccinations with at least a six-month time difference. Central locations such as schools are the greatest risk areas for the virus to spread.

Short nails

Once infected, you cannot take medication against the virus. If the disease is suspected, it is recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, for example if you have been to the toilet or have changed a diaper, and to ensure a clean toilet. Short nails are also important, while it is best to let someone who is sick use their own toothbrush, washcloth and towel.

Tomorrow the GGD will vaccinate all children and staff of the school. The authority considers the chance that other people will be infected “very small”.