An unprecedented increase in hepatitis cases in children, according to an update by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), has left UK health officials concerned. Since January, 74 inflammatory liver diseases have been reported, all in children under the age of ten.
The UKHSA points out that there is no link between vaccines against Covit-19 and that none of the hepatitis patients have been vaccinated. Researchers also say that cats need to be included in any precautionary measures against the virus.
“We are working with the NHS (UK National Health Service) and public health colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to expeditiously investigate possible causes of hospitalization of children with hepatitis. One of the possible causes is adenovirus infection. We are fully investigating, “said Mira Chand, director of medical and emerging infections at the British Health Institute.
So far, 49 diagnoses have been confirmed in the UK, 13 in Scotland and the other 12 between Wales and Northern Ireland. From hepatitis A to E, the five most common types of viral infections that cause the disease are not detected in any of the cases, which makes the picture very worrying. Although hepatitis is not a common complication of adenovirus, the UKHSA points out that the link between agents and hepatitis is actually known.
“Adenoviruses are a family of common viruses that cause mild illnesses and most people recover without complications. They cause a variety of symptoms, including colds, vomiting and diarrhea. Although they usually do not cause hepatitis, it is a known rare complication of the virus.
The agent is spread from person to person through physical contact, contaminated surfaces and the respiratory tract. The United Kingdom exemplifies the best way to reduce the risk of infection, especially the hand hygiene of young children, which must be monitored by the person responsible for ensuring that it is carried out properly.
“We urge parents and guardians to look for signs of hepatitis, including jaundice, and contact a health professional if they are concerned,” Meera added.
Jaundice is one of the most characteristic symptoms of hepatitis, and the patient’s skin and eyes may appear yellow.
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See other symptoms of hepatitis according to the UK Health Agency:
Dark urine
Pale or gray stools
Itchy skin
Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
Muscle and joint pain
High temperature
Illness and nausea
Unusually always tired
Anorexia
Abdominal pain
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