An NHS doctor has outlined the key symptoms parents should look out for as a hepatitis outbreak hits the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency is currently investigating 74 cases of hepatitis among children across the UK.
The health body says it is examining 49 cases in England, 13 in Scotland and 12 across Wales and Northern Ireland, all of which have occurred since January.
The UKHSA said that it is investigating a “number” of possible causes of the cases.
Dr Ethan Smallwood
GB News
The UK Health Security Agency is currently investigating 74 cases of hepatitis among children
PA
Speaking about the outbreak on GB News, Dr Ethan Smallwood said: “There has been a spike in hepatitis cases in children under the age of 10.
“One of the lines on enquiry is into adenoviruses so generally they cause mild infection, colds, diarrhoea, vomiting.
“But there is a rare complication called hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver and we just need to be aware of those symptoms.
There were originally concerns whether the outbreak was linked to Covid-19.
But Dr Smallwood said: “None of these children of the 74 cases have had a dose of the coronavirus vaccine, so I think that is reassuring for parents.
He added: “The key symptoms include muscle and joint pain, a high temperature, feeling being sick, tummy pain, a symptom called jaundice which you get yellowing of the eyes and skin.
“You can also find the full list on the NHS website if you are worried as well.”
