Warning for parents to check for 10 hepatitis signs after mystery spike in under 10s

PARENTS have been warned to check their children for hepatitis after a mystery spike in kids under 10.

Hepatitis is a liver condition and can occur for many reasons, including severe viral infections common in children.

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it has detected higher rates of hepatitis cases than usual.

In England there are around 60 cases being investigated in children under the age of 10, with a probe into similar infections in Scotland.

Director of clinical and emerging infections, Dr Meera Chand said investigations for a wide range of potential causes are underway.

This, she said, included possible links to infectious diseases.

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"We are working with partners to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, so that any further children who may be affected can be identified early and the appropriate tests carried out.

"This will also help us to build a better picture of what may be causing the cases. 

"We are also reminding parents to be aware of the symptoms of jaundice – including skin with a yellow tinge which is most easily seen in the whites of the eyes – and to contact a healthcare professional if they have concerns", Dr Chand said.

In Scotland, officials said the number of cases in such a short period of time, combined with the geographical spread and severity of illness, was “unusual”.

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But officials say there is no cause for concern for cases detected in the areas of Lanarkshire, Tayside, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Fife.

There is currently no clear link between the current cases, with the cause remaining a mystery.

Director of health at Public Health Scotland, Dr Nicholas Phin said parents should contact their GP or health care professional if their child is showing symptoms.

The 10 main hepatitis symptoms are:

1. dark urine
2. pale, grey-coloured poo
3. itchy skin
4. yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
5. muscle and joint pain
6. a high temperature
7. feeling and being sick
8. feeling unusually tired all the time
9. loss of appetite
10. tummy pain

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Long-term hepatitis can also develop without any symptoms, until the liver fails completely, so it is sometimes only caught in blood tests.

It's important to note that these 10 symptoms might not always been down to hepatitis and that if you child has unusual symptoms then you should see your GP.