Dumbarton's MSP has called for a review into the standards of sanitation, cleanliness and food hygiene at an Alexandria school following a Hepatitis scare.

Public health experts from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recommended this week that all children and staff at St Mary's Primary are vaccinated against the disease after one pupil fell ill.

Parents and carers of pupils at the school, which has nearly 200 pupils, were notified of the vaccination programme on Monday, January 28.

Ms Baillie told the Reporter: “The news that a pupil at St Mary’s Primary school in Alexandria has contracted Hepatitis A is of course deeply concerning. While, at present, this is an isolated case, action must be taken quickly to ensure that no other pupils become ill.

"This means not only carrying out emergency vaccinations, as the NHS is already doing, but trying to identify the source of the infection. It is also important to ensure that the standards of sanitation, cleanliness and food hygiene within the school are reviewed and education is provided for how best to prevent Hepatitis A from spreading in the home.

"I am confident that St Mary’s is doing everything they can to protect their pupils and I wish the pupil concerned a full and speedy recovery.”

Hepatitis A is usually a short-term illness and is very rarely serious. The symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nausea or vomiting, and it can sometimes lead to yellowing of the skin and eyes due to inflammation of the liver.

It has not been disclosed where the pupil contracted the illness.

A Q&A drop-in session at the school has been organised for Tuesday, January 29 from 3-4pm and a vaccination session will take place in the school this Friday, February 1.