A recent study published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that the coronavirus vaccine is not to blame for the sudden rise in hepatitis cases involving children.
The epidemiological update by the UKHSA says that the majority of patients are under five years old and too young to have received the vaccine. There is, though, an apparent overall decline in the number of new cases per week.
Working alongside Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency, active investigations have identified a further 11 confirmed cases since the last update on June 9, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 251, as of 13 June. Of the confirmed instances, 180 are resident in England, 32 are in Scotland, 17 are in Wales and 22 are in Northern Ireland.
The investigation continues to suggest an association with adenovirus. Adenovirus is the most frequently detected virus in samples tested and a formal epidemiological study using 4 nations data is ongoing.
Dr Alicia Demirjian, incident director at UKHSA, said: “We are continuing to investigate what may be behind the increase in hepatitis. Recent findings, though, continue to indicate that adenovirus infection is playing a role.
“It’s important to remember that it’s very rare for a child to develop hepatitis, so parents should not be unduly concerned. Maintaining normal hygiene measures, including making sure children regularly wash their hands properly is good practice all year round – it helps to reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus.”
Adenoviruses most commonly cause respiratory illness. The illnesses can range from the common cold to pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis.
The cases are predominantly in children under five, who showed initial symptoms of gastroenteritis illness (diarrhoea and nausea) followed by the onset of jaundice. Dr Demirjian added: “We continue to remind everyone to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, look for a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.”
No child resident in the UK has died. A report of one further liver transplant is included in the update, bringing the total number of children who have received a transplant to 12, since 21 January.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
