From grey poo to yellow eyes – the 14 signs of hep A infection after shop item leaves 95 Brits sick and 58 hospitalised

HEALTH officials are racing to track down a supermarket item feared to have sparked a major hepatitis A outbreak that’s left nearly 100 Brits ill and 58 in hospital.

The highly contagious virus, which attacks the liver, is spread through traces of poo from infected people.

It can cause grim symptoms including grey-coloured stools, yellowing eyes, exhaustion and vomiting and in some cases, can even be deadly.

Since December 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has logged 54 fresh cases, all suspected to be linked to a mystery item bought from an unnamed supermarket.

Two separate “clusters” of hepatitis A cases have been identified, one of which dates back as far as 2021.

The earlier wave saw 19 people hospitalised, mostly aged 50 to 69.

While a more recent surge, which began in January 2023 and is still ongoing, has seen 39 more patients struck down so badly they needed urgent treatment.

Health bosses say they might have pinpointed a possible food source but have yet to name the product.

Though rare in the UK, hepatitis A is highly contagious and often hits hardest in older adults or people with underlying liver issues.

That’s because the virus attacks the liver and triggers inflammation.

It spreads through poor hygiene, contaminated water or food, and close personal contact – including sex.

It is particularly common if you have been abroad in parts of the world with bad sanitation, including Africa, South Asia, the far East, Middle East and South America.

Men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs are also more likely to catch the infection.

Other symptoms of the disease include feeling generally unwell, joint and muscle pain and a high temperature, the NHS says.

Losing your appetite, diarrhoea and pain in the upper right part of your tummy could also be a sign of the condition.

These are often followed by jaundice, a warning sign your liver is struggling, which can turn your eyes yellow, darken your pee and leave your poo unusually pale.

Some people, especially children, may not realise they’re infected, as symptoms can be mild and hard to spot.

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If your eyes or skin become yellow, it could be a sign of the disease[/caption]

However, hepatitis A can last several months and also be deadly if it causes liver failure – when the organ stops working properly.

If you, or your child, has symptoms, your GP can give you a blood test that will confirm an infection if you have it.

If you’ve recently been exposed to the virus, it is also worth being tested.

There’s no cure, but most people recover within a few months and become immune for life.

In the meantime, sufferers are urged to rest, avoid alcohol, and keep scrupulously clean to stop the virus spreading.

You can get the virus from eating food made by someone who has not washed their hands properly or from drinking dirty water.

Raw or uncooked shellfish from contaminated water or having close contact with someone with the virus can also put you at risk.

There are no treatments for Hepatitis A but you can get a vaccine if you are at risk of the disease, which includes travellers, drug users, men who have sex with men, and people with chronic liver problems.

Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease some of the symptoms and getting plenty of rest, avoiding alcohol and eating small meals are all recommended.

Patients are also encouraged to stick to cool, ventilated environments, wear loose clothing and not take hot baths.

If you suffer yellow eyes, you should stay off work or school and avoid having sex for at least a week, according to the NHS.

Washing your hands with soap and water regularly is also recommended.