Public Health Scotland (PHS) is investigating the cause of a number of cases of hepatitis in young children across the central belt of Scotland.
The health watchdog has confirmed 11 cases of hepatitis in children between one and five that required admission to hospital across four NHS Health Board areas in Scotland; Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Tayside and Fife. Most cases have presented from March.
Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It's usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage caused by drinking alcohol. The hepatitis viruses commonly associated with this condition have been excluded.
Each year around seven or eight cases of non A to E hepatitis (without other underlying diagnoses) 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 and requires further investigation.
No clear connection or cause between the cases has so far been found.
All potential causes are being explored but infection is considered to be a more probable source, according to Public Health Scotland chiefs.
They said investigations are still in the early stages and work is ongoing with partners and other agencies across the UK to examine the cases.
Dr Nicholas Phin, Director of Public Health for Public Health Scotland said: “If you have a child who is showing signs of jaundice, where the skin has a yellow tinge and is most easily seen in the whites of the eyes, then parents should contact their GP or other Health Care professional.
"We are continuing to investigate these cases and will provide further updates as and when they are available.”
