Five more children have contracted severe and sudden hepatitis in the Uk as the unexplained outbreak continues.
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 five 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.
The UKHSA is investigating whether prior Covid infection is behind the surge, but said there was “no evidence” of the condition being linked to Covid vaccinations.
Scientists had also been looking into a link between the hepatitis cases and dogs, but ruled it out last week.
A more likely culprit is thought to be adenovirus, a common virus which causes infection.
Dr Renu Bindra, the UKHSA’s incident director, said parents should be “alert” to the symptoms of hepatitis.
Dr Bindra said: “Our investigations continue to suggest an association with adenovirus, and we are exploring this link, along with other possible contributing factors including prior infections such as Covid.
“We are working with other countries who are also seeing new cases to share information and learn more about these infections.
“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.”
