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3 Jun
Parents and guardians in Cork are urged to watch out for signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children due to an outbreak of a mysterious strain that is killing children.
Earlier in May, an Irish child died of an acute form of hepatitis while a second child with the same illness received a liver transplant according to HSE.
Health officials in Indonesia have now confirmed the deaths of three children from the disease, raising the global death toll to at least four.
As of today, almost 230 cases of the unexplained liver inflammation have been detected in children across 20 countries, including Ireland, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The HSE has confirmed less than five cases of “hepatitis of unknown cause” in children in Ireland over the past two months, as they also investigate a "small number of possible cases."
Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) issued an update on Thursday saying: "Over the past eight weeks, a small number (less than five) of children with hepatitis of unknown cause have been identified in Ireland and a small number of possible cases are being investigated."
"This is more than would usually be expected over this period of time."
According to HPSC, the children affected do not have any links to the other children involved.
"To this 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, including adenovirus infection, are currently being investigated."
"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."
Signs and symptoms to look out for
The HSE has urged parents and guardians to be aware of symptoms of the mystery illness in children, which can include:
The HPSC issued the following advice where parents should go to their GP of their child develops symptoms of hepatitis. The GP will then 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."