Hepatitis A alert issued to parents at two Newcastle primary schools after unlinked cases are confirmed

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026.

Two pupils — one at Benton Park and one at Central Walker primary school, both in Newcastle — have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A, prompting the UK Health Security Agency to write to parents with urgent hygiene guidance. The UKHSA confirmed the two cases have no connection to each other and said there is no evidence that transmission has occurred within either school. Jonathan Lawler, a UKHSA consultant in health protection, said hygiene measures are being stepped up at both schools to prevent further spread. The liver infection can be fatal for elderly people and the immunocompromised, though most children who contract it suffer only mild symptoms.

Hepatitis A is transmitted when faeces from an infected person enters the mouth via contaminated food or water, or through close contact with a carrier — and routine vaccination against it is not offered in the UK.

Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain and flu-like exhaustion, which can make it easy to mistake for a common illness.

Vaccination is the best protection but the NHS only offers it to those at specific risk, leaving most primary school children without a jab.