UKHSA has commenced an ongoing investigation into higher than usual rates of liver inflammation (hepatitis) in children across the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate and confirm cases of sudden onset hepatitis in children aged 10 and under that have been identified since January 2022.
Working alongside Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency, active investigations have identified a further 5 confirmed cases since the last update on 23 June, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 263, as of 4 July.
Of the confirmed cases, 186 are resident in England, 36 are in Scotland, 19 are in Wales and 22 are in Northern Ireland. The cases are predominantly in children under 5 years old who showed initial symptoms of gastroenteritis illness (diarrhoea and nausea) followed by the onset of jaundice.
As part of the investigation, a small number of children over the age of 10 are also being investigated as possible cases. No children have died.
Working alongside Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency, active investigations have identified a further 7 confirmed cases since the last update on 17 June, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 258, as of 21 June.
Of the confirmed cases, 183 are resident in England, 35 are in Scotland, 18 are in Wales and 22 are in Northern Ireland. The cases are predominantly in children under 5 years old who showed initial symptoms of gastroenteritis illness (diarrhoea and nausea) followed by the onset of jaundice.
As part of the investigation, a small number of children over the age of 10 are also being investigated as possible cases.
Dr Alicia Demirjian, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: We are continuing to investigate what may be behind the increase in hepatitis but recent findings continue to indicate that adenovirus infection is playing a role.
It’s important to remember that it’s very rare for a child to develop hepatitis so parents should not be unduly concerned. Maintaining normal hygiene measures, including making sure children regularly wash their hands properly is good practice all year round. It helps to reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus.
We continue to remind everyone to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, look for a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
Dr Sophia Makki, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: The likelihood of children developing hepatitis remains extremely low. Maintaining normal hygiene measures, including making sure children regularly wash their hands properly, helps to reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus.
We continue to remind everyone to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, look for a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
Kindly follow us on twitter:@AfricanVoice2
