The HSE confirmed on Thursday that a child being treated for acute hepatitis in the hospital has died.
The tragic death occurred amid a spike in cases linked to an unexplained strain of the virus being reported across the globe.
Meanwhile, a second child - who is also being treated for the virus - has received a liver transplant in the UK.
READ MORE: Irish child being treated for mystery form of virus dies and second receives liver transplant
According to health officials, there have been at least 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children reported up to April.
Since March, the HSE said that there have been six probable cases of children with hepatitis in Ireland, and highlighted that this "is more than would usually be expected over this period of time.”
They also confirmed that in all of those cases, the children were aged between one and 12, and all were taken to hospital as a result.
Irish authorities say they are working with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the World Health Organisation, to identify what is causing the illness.
Parents are being warned to look out for key signs of the illness, and are asked to contact a medical professional if their children begin to show any of them.
The seven signs of hepatitis in children are:
- Dark urine or pale/grey coloured faeces
- Itchy skin
- Muscle and joint paint
- Loss of appetite
- A high temperature
- Feeling unwell or tired all the time
- Jaundice – where the skin and whites of the eyes take on a yellow tinge
According to John Hopkins Medicine, to prevent infection, children — or anyone who has not been previously vaccinated — should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and hepatitis A.
There are no vaccines against hepatitis types C, D, and E and there is no cure for hepatitis once it occurs.
Treatment focuses on preventing further damage to the liver, reversing existing damage if possible, and symptom relief.
Most cases of acute hepatitis will resolve over time. In autoimmune hepatitis, certain medications may be used to help keep the overactive immune system in check and prevent further attacks on the liver.
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