Investigation launched into hepatitis cases in children in Scotland
11 children in 4 health board areas – Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Tayside and Fife – have been admitted to hospital since March
An investigation has been launched into the cause of a number of cases of hepatitis in young children across Scotland’s central belt.
Public Health Scotland says 11 cases of liver inflammation have been recorded in four health board areas – Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Tayside and Fife – since March in children aged between 1 and 5, and that viruses commonly associated with the condition have been ruled out as a cause.
An unusually high number of cases in a short space of time
Normally 7 or 8 cases of hepatitis requiring hospital admission are recorded in Scotland in a year, and Public Health Scotland says the number of cases in such a short period of time, combined with the geographical spread and severity of illness, in some cases, is unusual and requires further investigation.
As yet, there is no clear connection between the cases, and no clear cause.
All potential causes are being explored but at this point it is believed infection is a more likely source.
Parents urged to look out for warning signs
Investigations are still in the early stages and work is ongoing with partners and other agencies across the UK to investigate these cases.
Dr Nicholas Phin, Director of Public Health for Public Health Scotland said:
“If you have a child who is showing signs of jaundice, where the skin has a yellow tinge and is most easily seen in the whites of the eyes, then parents should contact their GP or other Health Care professional.
"We are continuing to investigate these cases and will provide further updates as and when they are available.”