Health officials continue to investigate the rise in hepatitis C cases in children under the age of 10 in the UK as they look at the “number” of possible causes.
At least 74 cases are now under the microscope Parents are urged to be vigilant signs of the disease, which in some cases can cause liver scarring or loss of liver function.
The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) said it was investigating 49 cases in England, 13 in Scotland and 12 in Wales and Northern Ireland, all of which have been reported since January.
One of the possible directions of research is whether a group of viruses called adenoviruses can cause diseases or not.
Symptoms of hepatitis include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes և skin), dark urine, itchy skin, muscle և joint pain, loss of appetite և high fever.
Dr. Mira Chand, UKHSA’s Director of Clinical Developmental Infections, urged parents to be vigilant about the signs of hepatitis as the incidence increased.
“We are rapidly working with the NHS ոտ Scotland, Wales և Northern Ireland Public Health Partners to investigate a range of possible factors that may lead to hospitalization of children with hepatitis C, known as hepatitis.
“Ordinary hygiene practices, such as good hand washing, including baby care and respiratory hygiene, help reduce the spread of many of the infections we are studying.
“We urge parents նամ guardians to be vigilant about the signs of hepatitis, including jaundice դեպքում In case of concern, contact a health care professional.
The officials stressed that “there is no connection” with the fight against COVID-19, as none of the affected children received the coronavirus vaccine.
The UKHSA says adenoviruses are a common family of viruses that commonly cause a number of mild illnesses, including colds, vomiting, diarrhea, and most people recover without complications.
Although they do not usually cause hepatitis, it is a known rare complication of the virus.
Adenoviruses are usually transmitted from person to person by touching contaminated surfaces, such as through the respiratory tract, according to the UKHSA.
