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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
James Moncur

Tayside hepatitis outbreak in young children being investigated by health experts


Health bosses are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis in young children in Tayside.

Public Health Scotland said there is a small number of cases of liver inflammation in the youngsters across the central belt of Scotland.

This also includes cases in Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow and Fife.

A spokesman said they are aware of 11 cases of hepatitis requiring admission to hospital that have been identified in children aged between one and five.

Most cases have come to light from March.

The spokesman told Dundee Live : “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.

“As yet, there is no clear connection between the cases. At present, there is no clear cause.”

They explained all potential causes are being explored but infection is considered to be a more probable source this time.

Investigations are still in the early stages and work is ongoing with partners and other agencies across the UK to investigate these cases.

Dr Nicholas Phin, director of Public Health for Public Health Scotland gave Dundee locals some advice.

He 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.”

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