Three more children have died from the mysterious hepatitis outbreak, taking the global death toll to at least four.
Since January, there has been a sudden onset of the liver disease in children aged 10 and under. Cases have been recorded all over the world but the UK is currently at the centre of the outbreak.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) previously confirmed one child had died but their nationality was not revealed.
Now, three Indonesian children have been reported dead by the country’s health ministry.
The trio, all from the capital Jakarta, are said to have died from ‘suspected acute hepatitis’ last month.
Their ages have not been revealed and it is unclear whether any of the children had underlying health conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the hepatitis flare-up as its origin continues to baffle scientists.
This is because the viruses which usually cause hepatitis (hepatitis A to E) have not been detected in any known cases.
Instead, research seems to be linking this most recent version of hepatitis to adenovirus – the virus largely responsible for the common cold.
However, the symptoms people are exhibiting – jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and dark-coloured urine – are not typical of adenovirus.
Experts are also investigating other ‘possible contributing factors’. This could include a secondary infection, such as coronavirus, or environmental elements.
Another avenue being looked into is whether children have suffered weakened immunity after being less exposed to diseases while in lockdowns.
Some 145 hepatitis cases have been recorded in the UK, according to the most recent data available from the UKHSA, up to April 25.
Of the confirmed cases, 108 live in England, 17 in Scotland, 11 in Wales and nine in Northern Ireland.
A worrying 10 of these children have received a liver transplant but no kids in the country have died from the disease.
The UKHSA’s Dr Meera Chand said: ‘We know that this may be a concerning time for parents of young children.
‘The likelihood of your child developing hepatitis is extremely low. However, we continue to remind parents to be alert to the signs of hepatitis – particularly jaundice, which is easiest to spot as a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes – and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
‘Normal hygiene measures, including thorough handwashing and making sure children wash their hands properly, help to reduce the spread of many common infections.
‘As always, children experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea should stay at home and not return to school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.’
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