Image via CanvaParents are being urged to look out for symptoms of hepatitis in their children.
The HSE confirmed this morning that one child has died from a probable case of hepatitis while another child has received a liver transplant.
A total of 6 cases have been detected here in the past 10 weeks, involving children aged between one and 12 years old.
Worldwide, the WHO says at least 348 cases of acute hepatitis in children have been reported.
How do I spot it?
Parents are being told to contact their GP immediately if their child shows any symptoms.
They can include:
- dark urine
- pale or grey-coloured poo,
- signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin.
What is Hepatits?
Meanwhile the HSE says it can cause swelling and scarring of the liver and serious liver damage. It can also cause other health problems such as constant fatigue (extreme tiredness) and joint pains.Hepatitis C is sometimes called a silent disease. This is because you might not realise you have it. You may not have any symptoms and feel OK. You may also have flu-like symptoms that can be mistaken for another illness.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there is a cure.
