Hepatitis cases among children

A number of Lanarkshire children are currently suffering from hepatitis after an unusual surge in cases amongst youngsters.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is investigating the cause of the outbreak after 11 children in Scotland – aged between one and five – have been admitted to hospital with the illness since March.

The cases are“non A to E hepatitis” and children have been taken to hospitals across four health boards including NHS Lanarkshire, Tayside, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Fife.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and is usually the result of a viral infection. Parents are being urged to contact their GP if their child shows signs of jaundice, where the skin has a yellow tinge, and can also be seen in the white of the eyes.

The hepatitis viruses commonly associated with this condition have been excluded.

Each year, around seven or eight cases of non A to E hepatitis (without other underlying diagnoses) are detected in children in Scotland.

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, PHS say. Investigations are still in the early stages and work is ongoing with partners and other agencies across the UK to investigate these cases.

All potential causes are being explored but infection is considered to be a more probable source.

As of yet, there is no clear connection between the cases.

Dr Nicholas Phin from PHSsaid:“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.”