Masks may help avoid mystery hepatitis in children

WEARING a mask could help children avoid contracting the respiratory illness that is ‘likely’ causing a mysterious surge in cases of hepatitis, a leading global health professor has said.

The hepatitis of ‘unknown origin’ has infected ‘less than five children’ in Ireland.

The HSE confirmed a number of possible cases are being investigated as the disease claimed the lives of two children globally.

At least 17 children have required liver transplants, according to the World Health Organisation.

The cases of acute hepatitis may be due to a strain of adenovirus called adenovirus 41. But this has not yet been confirmed. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E have all been ruled out.

The Irish children with hepatitis are aged two to 11 and all tested negative for Covid.

Only one child out of the five tested positive for adenovirus.

Professor David Hamer from Boston University Schools of Public Health and Medicine told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘These viruses can be spread person to person through respiratory or gastrointestinal secretions. Good attention to personal hygiene, isolation of infected children, and potentially masks, if this is being spread by the respiratory route, will all help decrease transmission and the risk of becoming infected.’

The latest information shows there are 225 cases worldwide, including 145 in the UK.

Anthony Staines, Professor in Public Health at Dublin City University, told the Mail on Sunday: ‘It is a concern but it’s very early days yet.’