PARENTS have been urged to watch for the key signs of hepatitis as the number of cases in the UK has risen again.
Today, another 20 cases of the disease have been confirmed in children under 10 years of age.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there are now 222 cases in the country.
Of the confirmed cases, 158 are in England, 31 in Scotland, 17 in Wales and 16 in Northern Ireland.
Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver after a viral infection.
Last week the total number of cases in the UK was 197, 11 children have had liver transplants and none of the infected patients in the UK have died from the disease.
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More than 450 children worldwide have contracted the condition since the start of the mysterious outbreak.
Three youths died in Indonesia last month, and another fatality in the US is believed to be linked to the outbreak.
The UKHSA said the cases mainly occur in children under the age of five who initially show symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea, followed by jaundice.
As part of the research into the disease, cases of a small number of children under the age of 10 are also being examined.
The 10 Hepatitis Symptoms All Parents Should Look For
- dark urine
- Pale, gray-colored poo
- Itchy Skin
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Muscle and joint pain
- A high temperature
- Feeling and being sick
- Feeling unusually tired all the time
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach ache
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dr. Renu Bindra, Senior Medical Adviser and Incident Director at UKHSA said studies continue to point to a link with adenovirus.
There are about 50 mutations of the bug, but experts at the UKHSA previously said it could be the 41F strain.
Adenoviruses are common and can cause a range of symptoms in humans.
Among which:
- cold and flu symptoms
- a fever
- sore throat
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
- conjunctivitis
- gastro problems such as nausea and diarrhea.
Serious illnesses are less common among the viruses, but people with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory or heart conditions are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms.
Less common symptoms include bladder infection or infection and problems affecting the brain or spinal cord.
dr. Bindra added that medics are investigating this link, along with other contributing factors, including previous coronavirus infection.
“We are working with other countries that are also seeing new cases to share information and learn more about these infections.
“The chance of children developing hepatitis remains extremely low.
“Maintaining normal hygiene measures, including ensuring that children wash their hands properly on a regular basis, helps reduce the spread of common infections, including adenovirus.
“We continue to remind everyone to be alert for the signs of hepatitis – especially jaundice, look for a yellow tint in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned,” said Dr Bindra.
While a link to Covid is being investigated, medics said there is no link between the increase in hepatitis cases and the coronavirus vaccines.
The majority of children who tested positive for hepatitis are under the age of five and were therefore too young to have had the shot.
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