London, May 27 (EFE). – British health authorities on Friday confirmed 20 more cases of hepatitis in children under the age of 10 in the UK, bringing the total number of infected children to 222 in the country.
As reported today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA, in English), of the confirmed cases, 158 reside in England, 31 in Scotland, 17 in Wales and 16 in Northern Ireland, but that agency indicated that no minor had died. .
Most cases correspond to children younger than 5 years of age, who initially developed gastroenteritis, followed by jaundice (yellowing of the skin due to increased bilirubin).
Renu Bindra, UKHSA’s medical advisor, said the studies suggest “there is an association between adenovirus, and we are exploring this association, along with other potential contributing factors, including past infections such as Covid-19”.
The medical advisor added to local media: “We are working with other countries that are also seeing new cases to share information and learn more about these infections.”
Adenovirus is part of a family of viruses that can cause infections in the respiratory tract, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract, according to experts.
“The chance of children contracting hepatitis is still very low,” Bindra said. “Maintaining regular hygiene procedures, including making sure children regularly wash hands thoroughly, helps reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus.” EFE
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