The number of hepatitis cases in children has risen to 145 in the UK, health bosses have confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate hepatitis (liver inflammation) in children aged 10 and under that have been identified since January 2022.
The usual viruses that cause infectious hepatitis (hepatitis A to E) have not been detected. The cases are predominantly in children under five who showed initial symptoms of gastroenteritis illness (diarrhoea and nausea) followed by jaundice.
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A further 34 cases have been confirmed since April 25, bringing the total to 145. Of these, 108 are in England, 17 in Scotland, 11 in Wales and nine in Northern Ireland.
Ten children have received a liver transplant, however no children have died, the UKHSA said. A small number of youngsters over the age of 10 are also being investigated.
Findings continue to suggest the rise in hepatitis may be linked to adenovirus infection. This is a common virus that usually causes mild illnesses including stomach upsets and colds. But other causes are still being actively investigated.
Health experts say it is not typical to see this pattern of symptoms from adenovirus and they are investigating other possible contributing factors, such as another infection – including coronavirus – or an environmental cause.
They are also exploring whether increased susceptibility due to reduced exposure during the pandemic could be playing a role, or if there has been a change in the genome of the adenovirus. UKHSA is working with scientists and clinicians across the country to answer these questions.
Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: "We know that this may be a concerning time for parents of young children. The likelihood of your child developing hepatitis is extremely low.
"However, we continue to remind parents to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, which is easiest to spot as a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
"Normal hygiene measures, including thorough handwashing and making sure children wash their hands properly, help to reduce the spread of many common infections. As always, children experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea should stay at home and not return to school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped."
Hepatitis symptoms include:
- yellowing of the white part of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- dark urine
- pale, grey-coloured faeces (poo)
- itchy skin
- muscle and joint pain
- a high temperature
- feeling and being sick
- feeling unusually tired all the time
- loss of appetite
- tummy pain
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