GPs have been alerted to notify public health officials if they suspect acute hepatitis of unknown cause in a child as cases of the mystery illness continue to climb overseas.

Recent guidance issued by NSW and Victoria’s health departments recommends consultation with a gastroenterologist and sets out details of tests to order in the event of a possible paediatric case.

These include LFTs, hepatitis serology and testing for adenovirus when children present with jaundice.  

So far, more than 450 cases of the acute hepatitis presentations have been reported globally since last October, although no cases have been identified in Australia to date.