Dogs or paracetamol may have triggered bizarre hepatitis outbreak in children, experts say

As such, investigations are ongoing into possible contributing factors, such as Covid or a change in the adenovirus genome.

“These possibilities are being tested rapidly. The association with adenovirus is undergoing a formal epidemiological study,” the UKHSA added.

Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, competed on the rise of hepatitis cases in the UK.

“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.”