Virus may be the cause of mysterious hepatitis in children

A study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 9 children in the state of Alabama had the disease. Hepatitis of unknown cause all tested positive for a common pathogen known as adenovirus 41.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in recent weeks about 190 children in 11 countries, aged 1-6, with a history of good health, have contracted hepatitis of unknown cause. Meanwhile, the US state of Wisconsin is investigating a death in this state.

In a statement, the US CDC said: “At this time, we believe that adenovirus may be the cause of the reported cases. However, other factors are still under investigation, including environmental factors”.

According to the US CDC, adenovirus 41 is known to cause gastroenteritis in children, but is less known to cause hepatitis in healthy children. However, an investigation ruled out other common exposures, including COVID-19; hepatitis A, B and C viruses; autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson’s disease.

All nine cases mentioned above in Alabama had hepatitis of unknown cause between October 2021 and February 2022. In which, 3 children had acute liver failure and 2 of these children required a liver transplant. Currently, all children in Alabama have recovered or are recovering, including 2 children who need a liver transplant.

Before admission, most children had vomiting and diarrhea, and some had upper respiratory problems. During hospital treatment, most of the children developed jaundice, jaundice, and hepatomegaly.

Last week, the US CDC issued a medical alert, notifying doctors and public health agencies to watch out for similar cases.

Meanwhile, the state of Wisconsin is investigating 4 cases of pediatric patients, of which 2 are severe, including 1 requiring a liver transplant and 1 death. Other cases have also been reported in Illinois and elsewhere.

The US CDC recommends that children need to be vaccinated again, and parents and caregivers need to apply preventive measures, including keeping hands clean, avoiding contact with sick people, and covering coughs and sneezes. vapor, avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Safety Authority (UKHSA) has also recorded 34 cases of hepatitis of unknown cause in the country since April 25. Of these, 10 children needed a liver transplant, but none died. Thus, up to now, there have been 145 children in the UK with this disease.

According to UKHSA, the increased number of cases of unexplained hepatitis in children may be related to adenovirus. The agency is currently investigating other possible infections, including COVID-19 and the environment.

WHO says most cases of hepatitis of unknown cause are in children under 10 years old, many under 5 years old. None of the children had underlying diseases.

Adenovirus is usually spread by close contact, by droplets and surfaces. There are more than 50 types of adenovirus, most of which cause colds, but also many other illnesses.

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