#16,770
The UK continues to identify new, or recently identified, cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children, adding 34 new cases since the last major update (May 6th).
They also released their 3rd technical briefing on the outbreak - which still is focused heavily on a possible adenovirus connection - but has not eliminated a number of other plausible causes.
First stop, today's update:
Increase in hepatitis (liver inflammation) cases in children under investigation
Regular UKHSA updates on the ongoing investigation into higher than usual rates of liver inflammation (hepatitis) in children across the UK.
From:UK Health Security Agency Published 6 April 2022 Last updated 20 May 2022 — See all updates
Latest
The UK Heath Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its third detailed technical briefing on the UK-wide investigations into a rise in cases of sudden onset hepatitis in children, updating data and findings on cases resident in the UK up to 16 May 2022.
Since the last update on 6 May, investigations have identified a further 34 confirmed cases, bringing the total number of UK cases to 197 as of 16 May. Of the cases to date, 11 have received a liver transplant. No cases resident in the UK have died.
The investigation continues to suggest an association with adenovirus. Adenovirus is the most frequently detected virus in samples tested.
Amongst 197 UK cases, 170 have been tested for adenovirus of which 116 had adenovirus detected. In 31 cases where adenovirus was not detected, 13 had not had whole blood sample testing, and therefore it is not possible to definitively rule out adenovirus in these cases.
So far, SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in 15% of UK patients with available results, reflecting testing on or around the time of admission.
There is no evidence of any link to the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The majority of cases are under 5 years old and too young to have received the vaccine.
Following further investigation, there is no evidence linking dog ownership and cases of hepatitis in children.
Standard hygiene measures, including covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, thorough handwashing and making sure children wash their hands properly are vital in reducing the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus.
Jaundice and vomiting are the most common symptoms experienced by the children affected.
Dr Renu Bindra, Senior Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said:
It’s important that parents know the likelihood of their child developing hepatitis is extremely low. However, we continue to remind everyone to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, look for a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
Our investigations continue to suggest that there is an association with adenovirus infection, but investigations continue to unpick the exact reason for the rise in cases.
The ECDC released a report indicating more than 600 cases have been identified globally, although this is almost certainly a significant under count.
You'll want to download, and read, the full 35-page technical briefing, but I've reproduced their working hypotheses below.
