A mum has told how her daughter's urine turned brown before doctors discovered she had hepatitis and feared she would need a liver transplant.
Concern is growing over an outbreak of a mystery strain that has lead to the death of one Irish child, and another falling so ill they needed a liver transplant.
Since March, eight probable cases of children with hepatitis of unknown cause have been identified in Ireland and a small number of further cases are under investigation.
READ MORE: Fears grow over mystery hepatitis strain that’s killed an Irish child as parents urged to know signs
All probable cases are in children between the ages of one and 12 and all have been hospitalised.
Parents in Ireland are being urged to watch out for the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children as the global outbreak of a mystery strain that's baffling medics continues to spread.
Over 400 cases of the unexplained liver inflammation have been detected in children across 20 countries, according to the World Health Organisation.
One mother, whose daughter was diagnosed and hospitalised with the virus on May 19, is speaking out to make parents aware of the symptoms.
Chloe Benham from Scotland said: "I want to make parents aware of the symptoms of hepatitis, so they can get their kids checked before it progresses."
Her daughter, little Madison, was rushed to her GP after her dad noticed her urine was dark brown.
Following an abnormal urine sample and bloods to check her liver function, the four-year-old was sent to hospital where doctors confirmed the diagnosis.
Chloe, 24, told the Daily Record: "It came as a shock. We knew absolutely nothing about hepatitis.
"It was so unexpected, so I felt really stressed and confused as to how she had contracted it.
"We had taken her to the GP because her dad noticed her urine was brown and we knew something must have been wrong.
"She had been sick on and off for the last few weeks, but apart from that she was her usual happy self."
Madison's liver enzyme levels were significantly elevated and doctors are still attempting to get them to return to a normal level.
The youngster is now suffering from jaundice and is having to have daily blood tests to monitor her liver's function.
Mum Chloe said she doesn't know how long Madison will remain in hospital as medics continue to observe her condition and any long term damage.
She added: "Doctors said that she is over the worst but I can't help but worry.
"I now know if hepatitis goes undetected it can cause liver failure, so we were worried she would need a transplant.
"It's absolutely terrifying being in a situation like this, especially with no treatment for it.
"The doctor still doesn't know how this has happened.
"I'm just so glad we got her bloods checked when we did and she's now in the right place getting the help she needs."
Ireland is liaising closely with ECDC, UK and WHO colleagues in efforts to identify the cause of this illness.
The HSE says 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.
Advice for parents on symptoms of hepatitis
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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