Doctors investigating link between dogs and outbreak of hepatitis in children

Experts are investigating the unknown strain.

Doctors investigating a mystery strain of hepatitis may have found a possible cause.

Children around the world are currently being infected with the unknown strain, but doctors have yet to figure out what is causing it.

They have ruled out travel, the Covid-19 vaccine, and toxic exposure.

However, they are now investigating a link between the outbreak and dog-owning families.

The UK Health Security Agency revealed that 64 of 92 cases owned dogs or were exposed to dogs.

They are currently exploring the “significance of this finding”.

However, they have stressed that owning a dog is extremely common in the UK and this link may just be coincidental.

Experts are also investigating the common virus adenovirus, which is another possible cause of the outbreak.

Dr. Meera Chand of the UKHSA stressed that developing hepatitis is low.

“It’s important that parents know the likelihood of their child developing hepatitis is extremely low.”

“However, we continue to remind everyone to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, look for a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.”

Dr. Chand said their investigations are ongoing.

“They continue to suggest that there is an association with adenovirus and our studies are now testing this association rigorously.”

Last week, the HSE has issued a warning to parents about a mysterious strain of hepatitis.

The HSE confirmed the number of suspected cases has jumped from five to six.

Read more: HSE issues warning over increase in mysterious hepatitis cases