The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department confirms there is a hepatitis A case in Millcreek Elementary School.
This statement was released by the school on Tuesday.
Dear Families at The Academy for Leadership at Millcreek Elementary:
The safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority for us here at Millcreek and any time we deal with a health or safety issue at school, we want to be sure our families have accurate information directly from us as quickly as possible.
We have been made aware that a member of our school community has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. The individual is not involved with food handling. We are working closely with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students, staff and families. Toward that end, district operations staff will work overnight at Millcreek to do a deep cleaning of our school before students and staff return in the morning.
Hepatitis A is not an airborne disease, but it can be contagious. It affects the liver, and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms often last several weeks, however, long term infection does not occur.
Hepatitis A vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. Many children have already received this vaccination as part of their routine shots, but if your child has not received the hepatitis A vaccine, we encourage you to contact your family physician. We have also made arrangements for students to be able to get the hepatitis A vaccine at the Healthfirst Bluegrass clinic at Tates Creek Elementary School.
This is an excellent time to remind everyone that our state has adopted new immunization requirements. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, ALL students in kindergarten through 12th grade must show proof of having received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be sending more information home with families in our school tomorrow. Students who have not turned in proof of hepatitis A vaccination and may have had contact with the infected person will receive additional recommendations.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Working in partnership with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department we will ensure you receive prompt and complete information.
Sincerely,
Greg Ross, Principal
Officials with the Health Department say vaccination and rigorous hand-washing are keys to preventing Hepatitis A. As of this summer, students in Kentucky schools will be required to get the vaccine. You can develop symptoms of the disease 15-30 days after exposure.