UK warns of a series of mysterious hepatitis cases

England and Scotland have recorded about 70 cases of children under 10 years old infected with mysterious hepatitis, authorities are investigating to find out the cause.

After testing, doctors found that the children did not have one of the five common hepatitis viruses, A, BC, D, E. Dr. Meera Chand, Clinical Director and Emerging Infections at the Agency UK Health Security (UKHSA), said it was carrying out a series of investigations into the potential cause of the disease.

The people admitted to the hospital are all between the ages of 1 and 5. UKHSA experts suspect the children have Covid-19 or another infection, which later progressed to hepatitis. The agency said there is no evidence to indicate that a Covid-19 vaccine is involved in the above cases, most children are too young to be vaccinated.

"We are working with our partners to inform healthcare providers about the situation, to identify children with unknown hepatitis early and to conduct appropriate testing," said Dr. Chand. .

According to him, parents should pay attention to symptoms such as jaundice, which is most noticeable in the whites of the eyes, and contact specialists.

Scotland alone recorded 11 cases, more than the average for this time of year. Medical centers say such a large number of cases and severe symptoms being recorded in such a short time is unusual.

Graphic image of virus samples.

Public Health Scotland said the hepatitis cases were not linked. According to Dr. Nicholas Phin, head of the agency, the investigation is in the early stages.

"If a child shows signs of jaundice, yellowing of the irises, parents should contact their GP or healthcare professional. We are continuing to investigate these cases and provide more information. believe it later," he said.

Hepatitis usually has no specific symptoms, but common manifestations are dark urine, light gray stools, itchy skin, yellow eyes and yellow skin. Patients may also experience muscle pain, joint pain, fever, nausea, and unusual tiredness.

Hepatitis A and E are usually spread through the gastrointestinal tract. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child.