Health authorities in England and Scotland are investigating the reasons for the increase in hepatitis cases in children.
In the United Kingdom, which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, 74 children, mostly under the age of 6, have been diagnosed with hepatitis (liver inflammation) since the beginning of this year.
Experts say that these cases may be caused by adenovirus, but they do not rule out the possibility of Covid-19.
The UK Health Safety Authority (UKHSA) warns parents to watch out for symptoms such as jaundice in children.
The first sign of an unusual increase in cases of hepatitis in young children was seen in Scotland last week.
So far, there have been 49 cases of hepatitis in England, 13 in Scotland, and 12 in Wales and Northern Ireland.
UKHSA official Dr. Meera Chand said they are examining several possible factors that could cause children to be hospitalized with liver inflammation.
Dr. “One of the possible causes we are investigating is that it may be related to adenovirus infection; however, we are examining other possible causes extensively,” said Chand.
Other possible explanations being explored include Covid-19, other infections, or an environmental trigger.
Adenoviruses
Adenoviruses, viruses that cause a number of common illnesses, usually the common cold, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While hepatitis is not a common complication caused by these viruses, a link has been found in rare cases.
Dr. In addition to good hand washing and hygiene at home, parents should also pay attention to possible symptoms, Chand says, to prevent the spread of infection:
“We urge parents and guardians to be alert for signs of hepatitis, including jaundice, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and to contact a healthcare professional if they have concerns.”
Other symptoms of liver disease include:
- dark urine
- skin itching
- muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
UKHSA said there was no “link” between these cases of hepatitis in young children and the Covid-19 vaccine because none of the children with the case had been vaccinated.
Professor Will Irving, a virologist at the University of Nottingham, said current cases of hepatitis in children under the age of 10 are “very unusual”.
“Regarding viral hepatitis, infection in childhood very rarely causes clinical disease,” Irving said, adding that the disease is usually much more severe in adults.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a broad term for inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis, which is an infection usually caused by viruses, can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals, excessive alcohol and certain genetic diseases.
There are five main types of hepatitis, called A, B, C, D and E, caused by certain viruses.
However, it was determined that liver inflammations in children were not caused by these.
Some hepatitis heal without causing serious problems, while others can be long-lasting.