The UK and Scotland report around 70 cases of children under 10 years old with mysterious hepatitis, as authorities investigate the cause.
After testing, doctors found that the children were not infected with any of the five common hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, or E. Dr. Meera Chand, Clinical Director and Head of Emerging Infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stated that a series of investigations are underway to identify the underlying causes of this illness.
The hospitalized children range in age from 1 to 5 years old. UKHSA experts suspect that these children may have contracted Covid-19 or another type of infection, which subsequently progressed to hepatitis. The agency reported that there is no evidence linking the Covid-19 vaccine to these cases, as most of the children are too young to be vaccinated.
“We are working with partners to inform healthcare providers to help identify children with this unusual hepatitis early and conduct appropriate testing,” Dr. Chand said.
He advised parents to be vigilant for symptoms such as jaundice, which is most noticeable in the whites of the eyes, and to contact healthcare professionals.
Scotland has recorded 11 cases, which is higher than the average for this time of year. Health centers have noted that the large number of cases and the severity of symptoms observed in a short period is unusual.
Graphic image of virus samples. (Photo: Alamy).
The Public Health Agency of Scotland stated that the hepatitis cases are not linked to one another. According to Dr. Nicholas Phin, the head of the agency, the investigation is still in its early stages.
“If a child shows signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the eyes, parents should contact a general practice or healthcare specialist. We are continuing to investigate these cases and will provide more information later,” he said.
Hepatitis typically does not present with specific symptoms, but common signs include dark urine, pale gray stools, itchy skin, yellowing of the eyes, and jaundice. Patients may also experience muscle pain, joint pain, fever, nausea, and unusual fatigue.
Hepatitis A and E are often transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child.
