More than 160 children have now been identified with sudden onset hepatitis in the UK, of whom 11 have needed a liver transplant. An update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows an extra 18 cases recorded as of May 3 (compared to April 29), bringing the UK total to 163.
None of the children have died.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said earlier this week there were almost 300 probable cases of children with severe hepatitis detected in 20 countries worldwide. Health officials are still investigating the cause of the increase in the severe liver condition but a common virus called adenovirus may be causing the surge following the pandemic, according to the UKHSA.
