Vol. 466 No. 2
100 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the recent outbreaks of hepatitis A in a number of schools; if she will seek a full report on the circumstances of such outbreaks, particularly in relation to the sanitation and hygiene conditions in these schools. [11208/96]
While I am aware of recent reports in the media concerning hepatitis A, my attention has not been drawn to any specific cases. Schools are not obliged to notify the Department of Education of such occurrences. The director of community care and the medical officer of health of the local health board should be notified by the attending medical practitioner of outbreaks of such diseases as hepatitis A.
A comprehensive manual entitled Infection in School — a Manual for School Personnel has been produced by the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health in consultation with officials of my Department. This manual was issued to all schools in 1995. The manual is invaluable in assisting school personnel to differentiate between infections which are less serious and those which need medical attention. It outlines basic infection control guidelines which schools are encouraged to implement as a matter of urgency.
