Health officials reported 20 more cases
(Picture: PA Archive)The UK has reported a further 20 cases of hepatitis in children aged under 10.
In its latest update, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said there had been a total of 222 cases as of May 25. Of that number, 168 are located in England, 31 in Scotland, 17 in Wales and 16 in Northern Ireland.
The cases are predominantly in children aged under five who showed initial symptoms of nausea and diarrhoea followed by jaundice.
Despite the rise in cases, the UKHSA said there is no evidence of a link to any Covid vaccine, and no child has died.
Dr Renu Bindra, Senior Medical Advisor and Incident Director at UKHSA, 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-19.
“We are working with other countries who are also seeing new cases to share information and learn more about these infections.
“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.”
