The medical guard was informed of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis in children in Scotland on 5 April. Three days later, he was informed of another 74 cases in the rest of the United Kingdom. More cases are likely to be reported in the coming days. As of April 11, no deaths had been reported from hepatitis – inflammation of the liver – although some children had been transferred to specialized liver units. An epidemiologically related case was identified, meaning that a patient had contact with one or more individuals who either had or had the disease or had been exposed to a point source of infection. Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at the UK Health Insurance Agency, said officials were working in all four countries to ‘investigate a wide range of possible factors that could lead to hospitalization of children with inflammatory liver disease’. known as hepatitis “. “One of the possible causes we are investigating is that it is associated with an adenovirus infection,” he said. “However, we are thoroughly investigating other possible causes.” Other explanations that are being investigated include whether or not Covid-19 may have played a role in the unusual number of cases. Officials said there was “no link” between the cases and the Covid-19 vaccine, as none of the children infected with hepatitis had been vaccinated. According to the WHO, laboratory tests have ruled out the usual viruses that cause hepatitis. The body awaits the results of further tests for infections, chemicals and toxins. Advising on preventing the possible spread of hepatitis among children, Dr. Chand said: “Regular hygiene measures, such as good hand washing, including child supervision, and respiratory hygiene, help reduce the spread of many of the infections we are investigating. “We also urge parents and guardians to be vigilant for signs of hepatitis, including jaundice, and to contact a healthcare professional if they are concerned.” There have been 49 cases in England, 13 in Scotland and 12 across Wales and Northern Ireland since January. Since its identification in the United Kingdom, fewer than five cases have been reported in Ireland with further investigations ongoing. Three cases of acute hepatitis have been reported in children in Spain.
