Investigation into cases of hepatitis of unknown aetiology among young children, Scotland, 1 January 2022 to 12 April 2022.

On 31 March 2022, Public Health Scotland was alerted to five children aged 3-5 years admitted to hospital with severe hepatitis of unknown aetiology. Retrospective investigation identified eight additional cases aged 10 years and younger since 1 January 2022. Two pairs of cases have epidemiological links. Common viral hepatitis causes were excluded in those with available results. Five children were adenovirus PCR-positive. Other childhood viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have been isolated. Investigations are ongoing, with new cases still presenting.

A large multi-country outbreak of monkeypox across 41 countries in the WHO European Region, 7 March to 23 August 2022.

Following the report of a non-travel-associated cluster of monkeypox cases by the United Kingdom in May 2022, 41 countries across the WHO European Region have reported 21,098 cases and two deaths by 23 August 2022. Nowcasting suggests a plateauing in case notifications. Most cases (97%) are MSM, with atypical rash-illness presentation. Spread is mainly through close contact during sexual activities. Few cases are reported among women and children. Targeted interventions of at-risk groups are needed to stop further transmission.

Assessing and prioritizing the preferences of injecting drug users in needle and syringe exchange service development.

BACKGROUND: Needle exchange services are vital for the distribution of clean injecting equipment and disposal of equipment used for intravenous drug users. From the number of clean needles and syringes distributed and the estimated number of injecting drug users (IDUs), there may be insufficient use of needle exchange services. This highlighted the need to consider how services could be improved to encourage the use. METHODS: A structured, short, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to IDUs through a wide range of agencies and services in North East Scotland. A form of snowball sampling was also used. RESULTS: A total of 370 individuals responded. Respondents noted the following in their two prioritized preferred options: 'Provision of paraphernalia' (citric acid, water and filters; 54%), 'weekend opening hours' (24%) and 'antibiotic prescribing' (23%). Other service developments noted were: 'friendly, approachable staff' (16%), 'family planning' (10.4%), 'dressings for wounds/sores' (9%), 'leaflets on safer injecting' (7.0%), 'advice from staff on safer injecting' (3.0%) and 'evening opening hours' (0.8%). Geographical gaps in current needle exchange services were identified. There was homogeneity of responses across demographic groups. CONCLUSION: IDUs were willing to participate and suggested more provision of paraphernalia.