PARKERSBURG — Wood County Board of Education has confirmed a case of Hepatitis A in an individual who is routinely on the campus of Parkersburg South High School.

According to a press release by Will Hosaflook, Wood County Schools superintendent, school officials were notified late Friday afternoon by the individual and began working diligently with central office administrators and the health department to implement preventive measures to ensure safety of the students, school personnel and community members.

“For precautionary measures, all activities for the weekend have been cancelled at Parkersburg South High School,” Hosaflook said.

According to Hosaflook, school custodians and other school personnel are working throughout the weekend, sanitizing the entire building to provide a safe, conducive environment for students and personnel to return to on Monday.

“Our number one responsibility is to ensure our students and personnel are safe in our schools. Although we believe only a very small section of the school could be contaminated, we are taking extra steps to deeply sanitize the entire school,” Hosaflook said.

“Hepatitis A infection is usually transmitted when a person ingests the virus through food, drinks, or objects contaminated by undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. We cannot stress the importance of proper handwashing with hot water and soap after using the restroom, as well as before handling food or eating a meal,” said Hosaflook.

Anyone experiencing symptoms, similar to those stated below, should immediately contact their health care provider.

* Sudden nausea and vomiting

* Stomach pain

* Clay-colored bowel movements

* Loss of appetite

* Low-grade fever

* Dark urine

* Joint pain

* Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

* Intense itching

Hosaflook said that on Wednesday, in conjunction with Ritchie Regional Health Services, vaccinations will be available for all students and staff members at PSHS wishing to be vaccinated. Consent forms will be sent home on Monday with each student.

In partnership with Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, there will be a Hepatitis A vaccine clinic at Fairplains Elementary School Thursday from 3:30-7 p.m.

“As always, the Wood County Board of Education thanks the community for their support and understanding when unforeseen issues occur,” said Hosaflook.