'Unusually high' rates of hepatitis in children being investigated in UK

By Q Radio News

Health officials are looking into what they call 'unusually-high' rates of hepatitis in children in the UK.

There are no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland currently.

However, the Public Health Agency (PHA) wants to raise awareness of the symptoms of jaundice in children which can include a yellow appearance to the whites of the eyes or skin.

Acute hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver.

Dr Gillian Armstrong, Interim Joint Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Hepatitis can cause jaundice and inflammation of the liver. 

"We are reminding parents to be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis in light of these UK cases.

"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."

Hepatitis symptoms include:

• 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