The number of cases of hepatitis among children under the age of 10 being investigated has risen to 108, health officials have confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it, Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Northern Ireland Public Health Agency were continuing to investigate the rise in cases of sudden onset hepatitis, liver inflammation, in children since January. It said on Thursday a further 34 cases had been identified, bringing the total across the UK to 108, with eight children having received a liver transplant.
Of the total confirmed cases, 79 are in England, 14 in Scotland and the rest in Wales and Northern Ireland, the UKHSA added. The agency also said it is investigating the possible causes behind the spike in cases but there was no link to the Covid-19 vaccine as none of the children affected was known to have received a jab.
