The Gold Coast Public Health Unit is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A at a local school.
Four children at Arundel State School have been confirmed to have the disease, with another child awaiting diagnosis.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that spreads when faeces from an infected person enters another person's mouth, including via food, water, hands, linen or intercourse.
It can become a serious illness in older children and adults.
Gold Coast Public Health Physician Vicki Slinko said the disease affected the liver.
"The virus is present in the bowel of an infected person, so the most important preventive measure is meticulous hand washing after going to the toilet and before preparing or eating food," Dr Slinko said.
The Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) will offer vaccinations to students and their households and school staff.
A GCPHU spokesperson said the unit was actively investigating whether there were other cases in the community.
The Arundel State School principal did not wish to comment on the cluster but posted a message to parents on the school's Facebook page.
"The Arundel State School community have had confirmed cases of Hepatitis A," the post read.
"We ask our families to please read their emails for further information.
"Gold Coast Public Health Unit are offering a free vaccination clinic at school over this coming weekend (June 11-June 12)."
A Department of Education spokesperson said the Gold Coast Public Health Unit first notified the school of a case on April 12.
"More new cases have been confirmed since that time," the spokesperson said.
"Deep cleaning of amenities has been occurring since the first cases were alerted.
"Queensland Health has worked with the school to distribute Hepatitis A test kits and has offered a vaccination program.
"The school will continue to communicate with the community and work closely with Queensland Health to manage the situation."
