The number of mysterious hepatitis cases in children spread to 20 countries

Thus, globally, 228 children in 20 countries have been infected with an unusual form of acute liver disease and another 50 suspected cases are being monitored. In which, 18 children needed liver transplant, 4 died.

Experts say the current figure may just be “the tip of the iceberg”, with many countries now only stepping up surveillance for unusual complications.

Most cases have been detected in Europe, some countries of the Americas, the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Scientists are baffled by the variety of cases where none of the children tested positive for common hepatitis viruses.

The adenovirus – which often causes the common cold – is believed to be the culprit, although rarely causing hepatitis.

There are suggestions that prolonged blockade can weaken children’s immunity to normally benign viruses. Investigations are also looking into whether the disease is related to the mutated form of the Adeno virus or SARS-CoV-2.

British scientists admit it takes at least 3 months to know the exact cause of the cases.

Most of the cases were detected in the UK (145 cases) and the US (20 cases), where there are strong surveillance systems.

WHO has also announced hepatitis cases of unknown origin in Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Israel, Denmark, Norway, Romania… Recently, the list has added Austria. , Poland, Japan, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia…

Pediatric patients in the UK, mainly aged 5 years and under, initially presented with diarrhea and nausea, followed by jaundice and yellowing of the eyes.

WHO first recorded information about mysterious hepatitis in children on April 5 with 10 children under 10 years old in Scotland.

Dr Meera Chand, Director of Infectious Diseases at UK Health Security, said parents may be concerned but the chance of their child developing hepatitis is very low.

Professor Alastair Sutcliffe, University of London, said the cause of the disease may not be known until the end of this summer.

“With modern methods, PCR and whole-genome screening, I think finding the cause with high confidence will take three months,” he said.

The disease is quite rare, but the risk to children is high because of its potential impact, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said.

An Yen (According to Daily Mail)