Dozens of cases hepatitis or mysterious liver inflammation in children found in several areas in America and Europe. Local health officials are still investigating a mysterious disease that has left children with severe liver damage.
Quote from AP NewsThe World Health Organization (WHO) said it was investigating 74 cases of hepatitis or acute liver inflammation in children under the age of 13 in the UK and Ireland.
“Three cases have also been reported in Spain,” said WHO, Friday (15/4).
In the US, nine cases were reported in children in Alabama. U.S. health officials said there could be an increase in the number of reported cases in the coming days.
WHO first became aware of this unusual disease in early April, when they studied 10 children in Scotland with liver disease. One child fell ill in January, while nine others reported in March. All were seriously ill and diagnosed with hepatitis after being taken to hospital.
According to WHO, following the discovery of the 10 cases, UK Health Officials identified at least 64 more cases. No one died, but six patients required liver transplants.
Laboratory testing has ruled out hepatitis viruses types A, B, C and E which usually cause the disease. It is not known whether international travel or other factors are likely to harm children.
Recently, there has been a spike in the spread of adenoviruses. There are dozens of cases of adenovirus, many of which are associated with symptoms such as runny nose, fever, sore throat and red eyes. But some versions can trigger other problems, including inflammation in the stomach and intestines.
Adenoviruses have previously been associated with hepatitis in children, but mostly in children with weakened immune systems. Several European children have tested positive for adenovirus, and some have tested positive for COVID-19.
“But more laboratory studies are needed to explore possible associations with certain viruses,” the WHO said.
Alabama health officials say they have seen an increase in hepatitis in children since November. In each case, the child tested positive for adenovirus.
They are exploring the link to one particular version—adenovirus 41—which is commonly associated with intestinal inflammation.
None of the Alabama cases had an underlying health condition that appeared to put them at risk for liver disease, health officials said.
“At this time adenovirus may be the cause, but researchers are still learning more—including ruling out the more common causes of hepatitis,” the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement.
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