Advice for parents on symptoms of hepatitis
Since March, 12 probable cases of children with hepatitis of unknown cause have been identified in Ireland and a small number of children are under investigation. This is more than would usually be expected over this period of time.
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 3 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.
Further information
Increase in hepatitis cases - information leaflet for parents