§ Baroness Masham of Iltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why infection hepatitis A is increasing and what they are going to do about it.
§ Lord TrefgarneNotifications of infective jaundice relate to all forms of viral hepatitis, notably hepatitis A and B. Following a high incidence between 1970–72, 1973 to 1979 saw a decline in the number of cases. Notifications did, however, increase in 1981, although only to half the extent experienced in the early 1970s. It seems likely that these fluctuations reflect the cyclical nature of hepatitis A, since laboratory reports of hepatitis B remain fairly constant. Hepatitis A is usually a mild disease and rarely has long-term consequences. Children between the ages of five and 14 years are those mainly affected. Good hygiene is an important factor in prevention, and there is a continuing programme of health education in schools.