in more than 20 countries
Health authorities in the United Kingdom have been examining whether there is a possible link between acute childhood hepatitis and exposure to dogs. By the latest update dated May 3, 163 cases had been identified among children, most under the age of five, with several cases requiring liver transplantation. The numbers reflect a relatively high rate of dog ownership or dog exposure within the families affected.
Officials note that the overall data suggest a potential relationship with canine contact, but they emphasize that this could also be coincidental given how common dog ownership is in many households. As most British families live with dogs, researchers are calling for further investigation to determine whether there is a true causal link or if other factors are at play.
Spain has reported a handful of childhood hepatitis cases as well, affecting children under ten. The World Health Organization has highlighted concern after a surge in cases that began in the United Kingdom, with the majority of identified cases occurring in children aged two to five years.
in more than 20 countries
European health authorities are observing an uptick in acute childhood hepatitis, with some cases linked to adenovirus infections. This pattern is being monitored closely by health agencies around the world as they assess trends and potential triggers.
In its ongoing review, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency notes that adenovirus has been detected in a large portion of investigated cases. The virus is common and typically causes conjunctivitis and respiratory infections, though its possible association with dogs remains under evaluation. The linkage to animal exposure is being studied alongside other potential contributing factors, including immune responses and environmental conditions.
The clinical presentation often involves severe acute hepatitis with liver enzyme elevations, sometimes accompanied by jaundice. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting may precede liver-related signs. This pattern has been observed in children up to sixteen years of age in defined cases, underscoring the need for vigilant clinical monitoring and rapid diagnostic workups.
Globally, the World Health Organization has been informed of roughly 300 reported cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children across more than twenty countries. While the majority of cases have emerged in Europe, several instances have been identified in other regions, including North America. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and Israel are among those reporting cases as health systems work to track outcomes, identify common factors, and share findings with international partners.