A Northern Ireland GP has urged parents to be cautious as the number of cases of hepatitis among children under the age of 10 has risen across the UK.
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, often caused by a viral infection or liver damage. Some cases often show no noticeable symptoms and those with it may not even realise they have it, according to the NHS.
But since January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have been continuing to investigate the rise in cases of sudden onset hepatitis, liver inflammation, in children.
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The number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland is five while there have been over 100 confirmed cases across the UK to date.
An investigation was launched into possible causes behind the spike in cases but there is no link to the Covid-19 vaccine as none of the children affected were known to have received a jab.
Dr Laurence Dorman, 48, is a GP at Mourne Family Surgery in Kilkeel and Chair of the Royal College of Practitioners in Northern Ireland.
"Hepatitis is a condition that we do see and it's usually caused by a viral infection," Dr Dorman said.
"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.
"We would urge parents to be cautious and look out for symptoms in children. 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."
What is the public health response?
The PHA has said it is continuing to work with counterparts in other jurisdictions as part of a UK-wide investigation being led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) into cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) in children in which the common viruses which usually cause hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C, D or E) have not been detected.
The PHA is also working with HSC partners to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, so that any children who may be affected can be identified early and the appropriate tests carried out.
Work is ongoing to assess a wide range of possible factors. One of the possible causes being investigated is that this is linked to adenovirus infection. However, other potential causes are also being thoroughly investigated.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
- Dark urine
- Pale, grey-coloured poo
- Itchy skin
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Muscle and joint pain
- A high temperature
- Feeling and being sick
- Feeling unusually tired all the time
- Loss of appetite
- Tummy pain
Are you worried about the rise in hepatitis cases? Let us know in the comments section
What is the advice for parents?
Hand hygiene along with respiratory hygiene is the most important method of preventing and controlling the spread of infections being investigated. Parents are being asked to:
- Encourage children to wash hands regularly;
- Make sure your child carries tissues at all times;
- Teach children to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and to use a tissue which is disposed of quickly and carefully in a bin;
Parents are also being reminded to be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis. If you have a child who is showing signs of jaundice where the skin or whites of the eyes have a yellow tinge, then you should contact your GP or other healthcare professional.
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