Mysterious cases of hepatitis in kids hit 300 – the 9 signs parents must not ignore

The sudden rise of hepatitis cases in children is prompting health bosses to remind parents to stay alert for symptoms as the outbreak grows.

The reasons behind the sudden spike in hepatitis are not clear as the World Health Organisation revealed on Friday there were 300 probable cases spread over at least 20 different countries.

This is an extra 18 cases recorded as of May 3, compared to April 29.

Health bosses have reported that more than half of hepatitis cases are in the UK, with 163 detected since January 1 this year.

Fortunately, none of the children have died in the UK but worryingly 11 have needed a liver transplant and 13 children are in hospital, while 88 have been discharged and made a fully recovery.

According to UK health chiefs, vomiting and jaundice are the most common symptoms experienced by children in hospital with liver inflammation.

Stomach ache can be a symptom of hepatitis (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

According to WHO, one death of hepatitis has been confirmed with five reported by the US and three by Indonesia. However, infection by the usual hepatitis types A-E has been ruled out as a potential cause.

Although a common virus called adenovirus is being closely looked at as this can cause sore throats, ear infections and stomach bugs.

At least 91 children have tested for adenovirus in the UK out of the 163 cases recorded.

Jaundice is one of the most common symptoms experienced by children (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The UK Health Security Agency said those who tested negative did not have a blood sample, which which is the most reliable way to pick up the virus.

The UKHSA said although it is uncommon to see hepatitis following adenovirus infection in previously healthy children, investigations are looking into other factors which may be contributing to the mysterious rise.

Pet dog worries

Reports have suggested pet dogs may be behind the new cases.

“Relatively high numbers of dog-owning families” were among those affected by the hepatitis outbreak, according to a questionnaire of families.

As there were 64 out of 92 cases were with owning a pet dog.

They also found at least three quarters of respondents had mentioned using paracetamol.

However, the UKHSA said: "The significance of this finding is being explored,” but added “pet dog ownership is common in the UK”.

The vast majority of cases are in those aged under five (stock image) (Getty Images/Design Pics RF)

Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: “It’s important that parents know the likelihood of their child developing hepatitis is extremely low.

“However, 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.

“Our investigations continue to suggest that there is an association with adenovirus and our studies are now testing this association rigorously.”

The UKHSA said the vast majority of cases are in those aged under five.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms in kids when they came to hospital with hepatitis.

These were:

1. Jaundice (71%)
2. Vomiting (63%)
3. Pale stools (50%)
4. Diarrhoea (45%)
5. Nausea (31%)
6. Abdominal pain (42%)
7. Lethargy (50%)
8. Fever (31%)
9. Respiratory symptoms (19%)

Children with hepatitis have been infected with adenovirus type 41, which causes stomach problems, according to early evidence.

However prior to hepatitis, this type of adenovirus may cause:

• Tummy pains
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea