The mysterious virus that causes hepatitis in children is spreading to many countries

Last week, British officials reported 74 cases of children with Hepatitis since January. The strange thing is that these cases are not caused by the common hepatitis virus. And scientists and doctors are finding out where the source of the disease comes from.

More cases of hepatitis have been detected in Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said.

U.S. officials have also found nine cases of hepatitis in children between the ages of 1 and 6.

Health officials say they have discovered more cases of mysterious liver disease in children illustration: shuttesrstock

Dr. Graham Cooke, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London (UK), said: “Hepatitis Mild cases are very common in children after a viral infection, but these cases are completely different.” Some children in the UK need specialist care in liver units and others need a liver transplant.

The liver processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. The infection causes symptoms such as jaundice, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Although the cause of the disease is unknown, a leading suspect is an adenovirus. Only some of these children are infected with Covid-19, but the Health Organization World (WHO) said that genetic analysis of the virus is needed to determine if it is related, according to AP.

The strange thing is that these cases are not caused by common hepatitis viruses shutterstock

There are dozens of adenoviruses, many types virus adenoids cause cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, and pink eye.

US authorities say nine children in Alabama have tested positive for the adenovirus, which they believe is related to adenovirus 41, which causes inflammation of the intestines.

Public health officials have ruled out a vaccine cause Covid-19as none of these children have been vaccinated.

The WHO notes that although there has been an increase in adenoviruses in the UK, the potential role of these viruses in causing hepatitis is unclear. The WHO says there are fewer than five possible cases in Ireland and three in Spain, in children aged 22 months to 13 years.

With the increase in the number of cases over the past month and increased surveillance, it is “very likely” that more cases will be detected, the United Nations health agency said.