Public Health Wales writes to Barry parents to stress importance of handwashing during Hepatitis A outbreak
Published on: 06 May 2026
Public Health Wales has written to parents and carers who have children in primary schools in Barry to ask them to ensure that they and their children are extra careful with handwashing, because of an outbreak of Hepatitis A in the town. This is a viral infection that affects the liver, that in most cases is a mild illness, that most people make a full recovery from without long term health problems.
Public Health Wales is working with the local health board and council teams to look into a small number of Hepatitis A cases of the same strain, which have been identified in three separate households in Barry. This information we have about this strain suggests the infection may be spreading locally.
A team of health experts has been brought together to better understand how the infection is spreading and make sure the right action is being taken. Those who have been unwell are receiving appropriate care and are recovering well.
As a precaution, vaccination has already been offered to people who have been in close contact with those infected. Public Health Wales has contacted everyone identified as needing a vaccine. You do not need to contact your GP to request a vaccine unless you need one for travel to a country where Hepatitis A is very common.
Susan Mably, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales said:
“We would like to thank people in Barry for their support while we have been looking into these clusters of cases.
“We are now writing to parents who have children in primary schools in Barry to ask them to be vigilant with their children’s handwashing to prevent further spread of infection.
“The best way to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A is to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is important after using the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing or eating food.
“Some young children who are infected may not show any symptoms but can spread the infection to others who can then become unwell. Parents and carers should help and remind young children to wash their hands properly. If you or your child feels unwell and have symptoms such as a fever, feeling very tired, a loss of appetite, feeling sick or being sick or have yellow skin or eyes you should contact your GP or NHS 111 Wales.”
Further information about Hepatitis A is available on the NHS 111 Wales website, or at Hepatitis A – Public Health Wales.
Why are parents and carers in Barry being contacted?
Public Health Wales is investigating a small number of Hepatitis A cases in Barry.
The cases are linked and involve three households in the Barry area. The information we have about the type of Hepatitis A suggests that it is circulating in the Barry area.
Health professionals are working together to find out how the infection is spreading and to prevent more cases.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A, often called Hep A, is a virus that affects the liver.
It usually causes a short illness. Most people recover fully, but some people can feel unwell for several weeks.
How does Hepatitis A spread?
Hepatitis A spreads through close contact with someone who has the infection.
It can spread when:
- hands are not washed properly after using the toilet
- someone touches food, drinks, or surfaces with unwashed hands
The virus spreads more easily:
- at home
- in schools, nurseries, and childcare settings
- where people are in close contact
Good handwashing is very important, especially for children.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear between two and six weeks after infection.
Some people, especially young children, may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. They can still pass the virus to others.
Symptoms can include:
- fever
- feeling very tired
- feeling sick or vomiting
- stomach pain
- dark urine
- pale coloured poo
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice
What should I do if I or my child have symptoms?
If you or your child have symptoms of Hepatitis A:
- stay at home and avoid close contact with others
- contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice
- follow the advice from healthcare professionals
Children who are unwell should not go to school, childcare, or social events until they are told it is safe.
Get urgent medical help if you notice:
- severe stomach pain
- increasing drowsiness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Can children get Hepatitis A?
Yes, children can get Hepatitis A.
Many children have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, but they can still pass the virus to others.
Do I need to take my child to get vaccinated now?
No.
There is no need for parents or carers to book a Hepatitis A vaccination unless they are contacted directly by health professionals.
Public Health Wales will contact people only if a vaccine is needed for them or their child. Please do not book appointments unless you are asked to do so. This helps NHS services focus on people who need care the most.
Why is this information being sent to primary schools and not comprehensive schools?
This information is being shared with primary schools as a precaution.
There is no evidence that Hepatitis A is spreading in primary schools or comprehensive schools.
We are sharing this advice with primary schools because young children may not feel unwell but can still pass the virus to other people.
Young children also need more help to wash their hands properly. Washing hands well is one of the best ways to stop the virus from spreading.
Older children are more likely to feel unwell if they get Hepatitis A and are usually better at washing their hands. This is why information is not being shared with comprehensive schools currently.
