74 children now infected in outbreak of hepatitis
HEALTH officials are looking into two more cases of hepatitis in Scottish children as the number of cases across the UK has risen to 74.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is leading the investigation which includes 49 cases in England, 13 in Scotland and 12 across both Wales and Northern Ireland – all of which have occurred since January.
The agency said that it is investigating a ‘number’ of possible causes.
The children have all been diagnosed with non A to E hepatitis, which is unexplained liver inflammation.
One potential line of inquiry is whether or not a group of viruses called adenoviruses may be to blame.
Other possible explanations being investigated include whether or not Covid-19 could have played a role.
But officials stressed that there is ‘no link’ to Covid-19 jabs as none of the children have received a vaccine.
Last week Public Health Scotland (PHS) said it was looking at 11 cases in children aged between one and five years old in four NHS Health Board areas in Scotland – Lanarkshire, Tayside, Glasgow and Fife.
Each year around seven or eight cases of non A to E hepatitis are detected in children in Scotland. The number of cases in such a short period of time, combined with the geographical spread and severity of illness, in some cases, is unusual.
Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at the UKHSA, urged parents to be alert to the signs of hepatitis.
She said: ‘We are working swiftly with the NHS and public health colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to investigate a wide range of possible factors which may be causing children to be admitted to hospital with liver inflammation known as hepatitis.
‘One of the possible causes that we are investigating is that this is linked to adenovirus infection. However, we are thoroughly investigating other potential causes.
‘Normal hygiene measures such as good handwashing, including supervising children, and respiratory hygiene, help to reduce the spread of many of the infections that we are investigating.
‘We are also calling on parents and guardians, to be alert to the signs of hepatitis, including jaundice, and to contact a healthcare professional if they are concerned.’
A statement issued by Health Protection Scotland said: ‘PHS report that at present there is no clear cause or connection between the cases, although infection is considered to be a more probable source.
‘All potential causes are currently being explored and work is ongoing with partners and other agencies across the UK to investigate these cases.’
‘At present there is no clear cause’