The UK Health Security Agency or UKHSA has announced that more than 70 children under ten have been diagnosed with hepatitis.
All of the children have been admitted to the hospital, and an urgent investigation is currently underway to identify the cause of the hepatitis outbreak.
Around 70 Children Diagnosed with Hepatitis
According to Metro, the UKHSA is now examining 74 cases: 49 cases in England, 13 cases in Scotland, and 12 cases across Wales and Northern Ireland. All of the cases have occurred since January.
The agency explained that it is now investigating a number of possible causes behind the increase in cases.
One potential line of inquiry is whether or not a group of viruses named adenoviruses is causing the sickness among the children. The adenoviruses are behind several illnesses, like the common cold.
Other possible explanations are also being investigated, including whether or not COVID-19 could have played a significant role in the spike in cases.
However, officials stressed that there is no connection to coronavirus vaccinations because none of the children who are affected have been vaccinated, according to ITV.
Hepatitis Symptoms to Watch Out For
Medical experts have urged parents to keep an eye on their children and look for symptoms of hepatitis. The symptoms are dark urine, pale stool, itchy skin, yellowing of the eyes and skin, muscle pain, and joint pain.
Parents also need to check if the child has a high temperature. If kids are sick, always feeling tired, lose their appetite, and suffer from stomach pains, it is advisable to go to the doctor.
If two or three of these symptoms are present, parents need to consult a doctor immediately.
Investigating the Cause of Hepatitis Cases
Dr. Meera Chand, the director of clinical and emerging infections at the UKHSA, urged the parents to be vigilant against symptoms of hepatitis amid the increase in cases.
In a statement, Chand said they are working with the National Health Service (NHS) and public health colleagues in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to investigate a wide range of possible factors which may be causing children to be admitted to the hospital with liver inflammation, also called hepatitis.
Dr. Chand also stated that even though adenovirus infection is one of the potential causes for the increase in cases, they are still thoroughly investigating other potential causes.
Normal hygiene measures such as washing hands and supervising children are important. She added that respiratory hygiene should also be included as it helps reduce the spread of many of the infections that the medical experts are investigating.
Dr. Chand added that they call on parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of hepatitis, including jaundice or the yellowing of the eyes and skin, and contact a healthcare professional if they are concerned.
Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that cause a range of mild illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhea, and colds, and most people recover without any complications, according to BBC.
While they do not normally cause hepatitis, it is a known and rare complication of the virus. Adenoviruses are usually passed from person to person and by touching contaminated areas.
The most effective way to minimize the spread of the illnesses is to practice proper hygiene and supervise thorough handwashing in younger children.
In 2018, the Ohio authorities declared a statewide emergency because of the sudden increase in hepatitis cases.
On Apr. 7, experts recorded 60 cases of hepatitis in England and Scotland.
Related Article: Hepatitis C Medicine May Help Cure COVID-19 Patients, Possibly A New Therapeutic Option? New Study Says Yes
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Written by Sophie Webster
