Investigation into higher than usual rates of hepatitis in children – an update

Investigations into cases of sudden onset hepatitis (liver inflammation) in children aged 10 and under are continuing and have identified a further three cases since our previous report on 10 June, bringing the total number of cases identified in Scotland to 35.

The total number of cases identified in the UK is now 258. All the children affected presented to health services between January 2022 and 21 June 2022.

A Technical Briefing (external website), published on 19 May, highlights that investigations increasingly suggest that adenovirus is one of the leading causes of the higher than usual rates of hepatitis in children. An additional update on aetiology (external website) was also published on 19 June.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) continues to encourage parents and care-givers to ensure children practice good hand and respiratory hygiene to help reduce the spread of common infections, like adenoviruses.

Overall, only a very small number of children aged less than 10 years have been affected and the current risk of children in the general population contracting severe hepatitis remains low.

The most common symptoms experienced by the children affected are jaundice and vomiting.

If a child shows signs of jaundice, where there is a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes or on the skin, then parents should contact their GP or other Health Care professional. Other symptoms can include dark urine, pale grey coloured poo, itchy skin, muscle and joint pains, tiredness, feeling sick, a high temperature, loss of appetite and stomach pain.