19th June 2022

Ongoing investigations into cases of hepatitis in children have identified 21 cases in Northern Ireland.

Hand hygiene along with respiratory hygiene is the most important method of preventing and controlling the spread of common infections.

Parents should:

✅ Encourage children to wash hands regularly with soap and water;
✅ Make sure children carry tissues at all times;
✅ Teach children to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and to use a tissue which is disposed of quickly and carefully in a bin.

⚠️ Antibacterial hand gels and wipes are not a substitute for washing hands, as gels and wipes may not adequately remove germs and bugs in the way that running water can. However, using such gels after hand washing with soap and water may reduce the risk of picking up infections.

Read more: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/05/09/an-increase-in-hepatitis-cases-in-children/