VACCINATIONS are being offered to children in Horwich after a Hepatitis A scare at a primary school.

Horwich Parish CE Primary School children in Reception are being given vaccinations after a pupil contracted the virus.

Public Health England said they were made aware of a confirmed case of Hepatitis A associated with the school.

Their North West’s Greater Manchester Health Protection team said Hepatitis A is “generally a mild illness in children”.

Now the organisation working with the NHS, and Bolton Council, is offering a number of close contacts in the school — pupils and staff — jabs as a precautionary measure.

Dr Merav Kliner from Public Health England North West, said: “We are aware of this case and as a precaution have advised parents to be aware of signs and symptoms to prevent any further spread of infection.

“We are offering immunisation to pupils and staff who had close contact with the case in the reception classes as a precaution aimed at preventing any further spread of infection.”

Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, jaundice and a general feeling of malaise in adults. It is usually mild in young children and many have no symptoms at all.

Patients normally make a complete recovery and have life-long immunity after. The Hepatitis A virus can spread from person to person, but it usually requires close contact.

Thorough hand-washing with soap and warm water after going to the toilet and before preparing, serving or eating food is the best defence against Hepatitis A and most infections.

One parent told The Bolton News: “Parents had letters home last night and they’ve had a text too.

“There’s a Public Health England officer in school and they’re going to stay while it’s sorted.

“It’s worrying, it’s really, really worrying. But, there’s been a lot of information and I think we will get more over the course of the day, while the Public Health England officer is there.

“The school has been amazing. The support is superb and it’s a fantastic school. It’s unfortunate it’s affecting potentially 60 children at the moment — the Reception.”

Debbie Mills, headteacher, said: “We are following Public Health England guidance.”