Investigation into cases of hepatitis of unknown aetiology among young children, Scotland, 1 January 2022 to 12 April 2022

On 31 March 2022, Public Health Scotland was alerted to five children aged 3-5 years admitted to hospital with severe hepatitis of unknown aetiology. Retrospective investigation identified eight additional cases aged 10 years and younger since 1 January 2022. Two pairs of cases have epidemiological links. Common viral hepatitis causes were excluded in those with available results. Five children were adenovirus PCR-positive. Other childhood viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have been isolated. Investigations are ongoing, with new cases still presenting.

Automated summary

On March 31, 2022, a cluster of severe hepatitis cases in children was reported in Scotland, with a total of 13 cases identified so far. Investigations are ongoing and new cases are still being discovered.