An alert has been issued to parents across England and Scotland after a spike in hepatitis cases in children. There have been around 60 cases of the inflammatory liver condition reported in youngsters under 10 in England, with 11 cases in Scotland seeing children sent to hospital.
Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at the UK Health Security Agency, said “investigations for a wide range of potential causes are under way, including any possible links to infectious diseases”.
She added: “We are working with partners to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, so that any further children who may be affected can be identified early and the appropriate tests carried out. We are also reminding parents to be aware of the symptoms of jaundice – including skin with a yellow tinge which is most easily seen in the whites of the eyes – and to contact a healthcare professional if they have concerns.”
