Eight children hospitalised with kidney infection

An “outbreak” of a bacterial kidney infection has hospitalised eight Mid West children in the past four weeks.

The children, aged between two and nine-years-old, were treated for high blood pressure and acute kidney failure following contraction of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

One child had to be flown to Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth, and two are still in Geraldton Regional Hospital receiving treatment.

WA Country Health Service Midwest Paediatrician Ken Whiting said the infection was “uncommon”.

It is a sporadic infection and the children infected contracted it following a throat infection.

The inflammatory condition of the kidneys generally occurs in children aged two to 17-years-old, but can affect infants and adults.

Dr Whiting urged parents to be on the alert for early symptoms which include facial swelling and blood in the urine.

“Essentially the kidneys stop working efficiently and the body retains fluid which causes puffiness in the face and body, and the kidney’s leak blood which shows up in the urine,” he said.

He said most children recovered fully, but it could lead to chronic kidney problems and chronic high blood pressure.

Family and friends who have come in close contact with the infected children have been tested and screened by health workers to prevent a spread of the infection.

The infection is transmitted via infected skin sores and saliva.

“Good hygiene is very important,” he said.

Parents are urged to contact their GP if their child is experiencing any symptoms, or visit the hospital if after hours.