More children in Ireland have been diagnosed with a mystery strain of hepatitis, bringing the total known cases to 17.
Health officials confirmed the news last week, adding that a further “small number” of possible cases are under investigation.
It comes amid growing concern about the unexplained outbreak that’s puzzling experts across the world.
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Of the 17 cases confirmed in Ireland, one child has died and two others became so ill that they needed liver transplants.
All of the infections were in children aged between 0 and 12, and all but one were hospitalised.
Parents are being urged to watch out for the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children as the global outbreak continues to spread.
Almost 700 cases of the unexplained liver inflammation have been detected across 33 countries, according to the World Health Organisation.
Of those, at least 38 children required liver transplants and nine died.
In a statement, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said: “Since March, 17 probable cases of children with hepatitis of unknown cause have been identified in Ireland and a small number of children are under investigation.
“This is more than would usually be expected over this period of time.
"The children affected have no links to the other children involved. To date no single virus has been identified in all cases. Investigations are currently ongoing to identify the cause of these illnesses.
“The common viruses that cause hepatitis (hepatitis viruses A, B, C, and E) have not been detected in any of the cases.
“Ireland is liaising closely with ECDC, UK and WHO colleagues in efforts to identify the cause of this illness.”
It added that GPs and paediatric consultants are aware of the recent increase in cases of hepatitis amongst children and will be alert to identify any further cases that may develop.
The agency is urging parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Parents are advised to go to their GP if their child develops symptoms of hepatitis. Symptoms of hepatitis can include:
- pale, grey-coloured poo (stools)
- dark urine
- yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
If their child has any of these three symptoms, they should contact their GP without delay. The GP will assess the child and refer on for further assessment as indicated.
Other symptoms include:
- muscle and joint pain
- a high temperature
- feeling and being sick
- feeling unusually tired all the time
- a general sense of feeling unwell
- loss of appetite
- tummy pain
- itchy skin
Parents are advised to go to their GP if their child develops symptoms of hepatitis. The GP will assess the child and refer on for further assessment as indicated.
If your child is unwell with respiratory or diarrheal or hepatitis symptoms keep your child at home and do not send to crèche/preschool/school until they are better.
Good respiratory and hand hygiene, including supervising hand washing in young children, can help to prevent adenovirus and other infections that can cause hepatitis.
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