There is mounting evidence that the rare, severe liver problems in young children are caused by the adenovirus, the British health service says. The variant F41 would be the culprit.
In recent weeks, children in several European countries have been affected by hepatitis. At least one child died. Until now, it was unclear where the liver inflammation came from. But the adenovirus now seems to be the cause.
The vast majority of children infected with the cold virus have mild symptoms. However, it is important to monitor the course of the disease. Several children under the age of five, including three patients at the UMCG in Groningen, were so ill that they needed a liver transplant.
Scientists are investigating the possibility that the new variant is more dangerous than usual. It is also possible that some children develop hepatitis because they contract the adenovirus for the first time later in life and get a ‘more powerful immune response’. The virus has been barely circulating in the past two years due to the corona restrictions.
None of the seriously ill children had been vaccinated against Covid, so the vaccine is not responsible for the liver problems. The British are investigating whether exposure to the coronavirus itself can be the cause.
It is important to see a doctor if your child is ‘unusually tired’, their skin is yellowish and they have dark urine or pale gray colored stools.
Children who vomit or have diarrhea should stay home and not return to daycare or school until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved, experts say.
