Rise in hepatitis cases could be as a result of COVID lockdowns
A lack of exposure could have made young children more vulnerable
Last updated 26th Apr 2022
Restrictions on meeting people during COVID lockdowns could be the reasoning behind a significant rise in the number of cases of hepatitis in the UK.
Health officials are racing to investigate what could be the cause of a jump in the number of cases of the disease, specifically amongst young children.
Since the beginning of 2022, 111 children have needed treatment for hepatitis - a form of liver inflammation - with the majority of cases being under the age of five.
Of the 111 children who needed treatment in the UK, ten children had such severe cases that they needed a liver transplant.
Most cases experienced mild symptoms including diarrhoea and nausea, before being followed by jaundice.
A key line of inquiry officials are looking at includes the spreading of hepatitis through another common virus called the adenovirus.
Adenoviruses typically cause stomach problems and colds among children, but symptoms could be worsened through a lack of exposure to the virus as a result of COVID lockdowns.
Of 53 cases which were tested for a number of other illnesses, 40 showed symptoms of having an adenovirus, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Other potential explanations for the rise in hepatitis could include a COVID infection followed immediately by an adenovirus infection, which could lead to more severe cases.
COVID vaccination has been ruled out as a potential cause, however, as none of the cases tested had received any dose of a vaccine against the coronavirus.
Speaking on the figures, Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, warned parents of the signs and potential dangers of hepatitis.
"Parents and guardians should be alert to the signs of hepatitis, including jaundice, and to contact a healthcare professional if they are concerned," she said.
"Normal hygiene measures such as thorough hand washing, including supervising children, and good thorough respiratory hygiene help to reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus.
"Children experiencing symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection including vomiting and diarrhoea should stay at home and not return to school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped."