Health officials are urging families in Barry to get their children vaccinated against Hepatitis A after an outbreak of the virus took hold in the town over recent months.
Eleven cases have been confirmed since December, prompting Public Health Wales to step up efforts to contain the spread before numbers climb further.
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. While most people recover fully, it can cause weeks of illness and in some cases lead to serious complications, particularly in older adults or people with underlying health conditions.
Children are often at the centre of outbreaks because the virus can pass quickly through schools and households without obvious symptoms in younger kids, who may carry and spread the infection without appearing seriously unwell.
Public Health Wales confirmed the cluster is centred on Barry and said vaccination remains the most effective way to stop the virus spreading further through the community. The vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-term protection after just two doses.
Families who have not yet had their children vaccinated are being asked to contact their GP or local health service as soon as possible. Those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case are being prioritised for vaccination and are being contacted directly by health teams.
Alongside vaccination, officials are reminding residents of the basics that help prevent the virus moving between people. Thorough handwashing, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of transmission.
The outbreak in Barry is part of a broader picture that has seen Hepatitis A cases rise in parts of Wales and the wider UK in recent years. Outbreaks tend to cluster in specific communities and can be difficult to control once the virus gets a foothold, which is why health teams are keen to act quickly.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis A, which can include jaundice, fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, and fever, is being advised to contact their GP rather than turning up unannounced at a surgery or hospital. Early diagnosis helps health teams track the spread and offer protection to close contacts before they become infected.
Public Health Wales said it is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as the investigation develops.