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Public Health Wales has written to parents and carers of children attending primary schools in Barry, urging them to ensure both they and their children take extra care with handwashing, following an outbreak of Hepatitis A in the town.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver which, in most cases, presents as a mild illness from which the majority of people make a complete recovery without lasting health complications.

Public Health Wales has confirmed it is working alongside the local health board and council teams to investigate a small number of Hepatitis A cases of the same strain, identified across three separate households in Barry, Wales Online reports.

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A Public Health Wales spokesperson said: "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, added: "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."