Public health officials are warning clinicians and parents to be vigilant for signs of hepatitis in children after they detected an increase in cases.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there were 60 cases in children under 10 in England that were under investigation as the cause of the liver inflammation was not clear.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) also confirmed it was looking into 11 cases of hepatitis in young children that had required admission to hospital but with no clear links between them.
Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, said investigations for a wide range of potential causes were being done, including any possible links to infectious diseases.
‘We are working with partners to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, so that any further children who may be affected can be identified early and the appropriate tests carried out.
‘This will also help us to build a better picture of what may be causing the cases.
‘We are also reminding parents to be aware of the symptoms of jaundice – including skin with a yellow tinge which is most easily seen in the whites of the eyes – and to contact a healthcare professional if they have concerns.’
PHS said the cases they were looking into had occurred in four health boards across the central belt of Scotland and were in children aged 1 to 5 years.
Most cases had presented from March and the hepatitis viruses commonly associated with this condition had been excluded, officials said in a statement.
It is the number of cases in such a short period of time, combined with the geographical spread, no clear connection between them and unusual severity of illness in some cases, that has prompted the further investigation.
But infection is thought to be most likely cause, PHS added.
Dr Nicholas Phin, director of public health for PHS, 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 healthcare professional.
‘We are continuing to investigate these cases and will provide further updates as and when they are available.’
In 2020, a UK-led study confirmed that a rare inflammatory condition in children existed as a result of Covid, and was distinct from Kawasaki disease, of which it bore similar characteristics.
READERS' COMMENTS [1]
Please note, only GPs are permitted to add comments to articles
So. it is likely viral, chemical or dietary;
Not many children have had a full course of vaccinations as yet, BUT all children affected (so far) have been exposed to Covid-19 at school, as part of the Government plan to infect everyone, and many of them have been expose more than once.
Since it is not due to any of our usual hepatitis viruses, it is most likely due to repeated Coronavirus infections, is it not?
But it does not affect HEALTHY children of MPs or PMs, so just carry on ?