KUALA LUMPUR (April 18): The World Health Organization (WHO) said it was notified of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children under the age of 10 years across central Scotland.

In medical terms, aetiology means the cause or origin.

In a statement last Friday (April 15), WHO said that by April 8, 74 cases had been identified in the UK. Hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, E, and D where applicable) have been excluded after laboratory testing, while further investigations are ongoing to understand the aetiology of these cases.

It said given the increase in cases reported over the past one month and enhanced case-search activities, more cases are likely to be reported in the coming days.

WHO said following the notification from the UK, less than five cases (confirmed or possible) had been reported in Ireland, and further investigations into these are ongoing.

It said that additionally, three confirmed cases of acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology had been reported in children (22 months old to 13 years old) in Spain.

The national authorities are currently investigating these cases, it said.

WHO said further work is required to identify cases both inside the UK and internationally.

It said the priority is to determine the aetiology of these cases to guide further clinical and public health actions.

Any epidemiological links between or among the cases might provide indications for tracking the source of illness.

Temporal and geographical information of the cases, as well as their contacts, should be reviewed for potential risk factors, it said.