Researchers are investigating a possible link between dogs and the recent jump in cases of sudden hepatitis in children in the United Kingdom.
More than 160 cases have been reported in the current outbreak, but the reason for the increase is unclear.
Family questionnaires show “a relatively large number of families have dogs or other dog exposure,” the UK Health Security Agency said, with 64 of the 92 cases available mentioning dog exposure.
UKHSA said that “the significance of this discovery is being studied”, but that it may be accidental, as dog ownership is common in the UK.
No one has died in the current epidemic, although 11 children in the UK needed a liver transplant, and health officials say the risk of getting hepatitis is “extremely low”.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is usually caused by a viral infection or damage to the liver from alcohol.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and vomiting are the most common symptoms in cases in the United Kingdom, which were mostly under 5 years of age.
A common virus called adenovirus could be the cause of the jump and was found most often in collected samples, UKHSA said.
However, it is uncommon for adenovirus to cause hepatitis in children who have previously been well, so researchers are looking for potential helpers.
These include a previous COVID infection or a change in the adenoviral genome itself.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis – and can you reduce the transmission?
Parents are advised to watch for symptoms, including:
• Dark urine or pale / gray stools
• Itchy skin
• Paint for muscles and joints
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Illness or fatigue all the time
• Jaundice – when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow
Good hygiene, including monitoring hand washing in young children, can help prevent infections that can cause hepatitis.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are also available. The hepatitis A vaccine is not routinely available in the UK as the risk is low for most people, but the hepatitis B vaccine was added to the routine childhood immunization program in 2017.
Another theory is that blocking and social distancing may be factors, as children may not have been exposed to common infections.
Good hygiene, including helping young children wash their hands, can help prevent infections that can cause hepatitis, the NHS said.
“It is important for parents to know that the likelihood of their child developing hepatitis is extremely low,” said Dr. Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA.
“However, we continue to remind everyone to be vigilant about the signs of hepatitis – especially jaundice, look for a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
“Our research continues to suggest a link to adenovirus, and our research is now testing that link closely.”
Read more: What causes a sudden onset of hepatitis in young children?
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Another 18 cases were registered as of May 3, bringing the total to 163, according to the latest UKHSA update.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said this week that nearly 300 possible cases of children with severe hepatitis have been found in 20 countries, including Canada, Japan, the United States and Israel.
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