A top doctor has listed the symptoms parents need to be aware of after an outbreak of a mystery hepatitis strain that has led to the death of at least one child.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned last week about a further increase in cases of hepatitis “of unknown origin” in children in several countries, including Ireland.
Cases of the unexplained liver inflammation were first detected in Scotland in early April, and have since been reported in 12 countries - Ireland, the UK, Spain, Israel, Denmark, Italy, Norway, France, Romania, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States.
READ MORE: Symptoms of mystery hepatitis strain that has killed at least one child as Ireland confirms cases
As of Saturday, 169 cases were reported to the World Health Organisation. Of those, at least one child has died and 17 became so sick they needed liver transplants.
The confirmed cases involve children aged between one month and 16-years-old.
Investigations are underway in all counties, including Ireland.
Less then five cases of children with hepatitis of unknown cause have been detected in Ireland so far, with the HSE saying "this is more than would usually be expected over a six-week period”.
Dr Laurence Dorman, a GP at Mourne Family Surgery in Co Down and Chair of the Royal College of Practitioners in NI, told Belfast Live that officials are taking the mystery strain "very seriously".
He said: "Hepatitis is a condition that we do see and it's usually caused by a viral infection.
"It can be common in children although these new cases that are being looked at, the normal common viruses that cause hepatitis haven't been detected, so they are taking that very seriously."
He has urged parents and guardians to "be cautious" and "look out for symptoms in children".
Explaining the top symptoms, he said: "The big one is jaundice while their urine can also be dark in colour and their poo can be grey-coloured.
"There can also be itching of the skin, a high temperature, muscle and joint pain and just generally feeling tired and unwell. Some children actually just develop vague symptoms like a loss of appetite and tummy pain.
"General hygiene after going to the toilet and before food preparation is also important. The main thing is if a parent has a concern about their child, get in touch with your GP."
It comes as the HSE issued an update on its findings so far.
A spokesperson said: “The children affected have no links to the other children involved.
“To date no single virus has been identified in the 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. Other possible causes of the hepatitis are under investigation.
“The HSE and the Department of Health continues to keep this under close review and we have issued precautionary information to GPs and paediatric consultants in this specialty.”
It also urged parents and guardians to be aware of common symptoms in children.
The spokesperson continued: “Parents are advised to be aware of symptoms of hepatitis and to go to their GP, if their child develops jaundice (discolouration of the white of the eye, dark urine and/or pale stools).
“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 creche/preschool/school until they are better.”
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