UK, US health officials investigating cases of severe hepatitis with unknown causes in children
In its statement, WHO said it had ruled out hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses as the cause of liver disease in the UK cases. In the US, the most common causes of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C.
The WHO also said that the virus that causes Covid-19 or adenovirus has been detected in some cases.
WHO first identified 10 cases of the disease in previously healthy children aged between 11 months and 5 years across central Scotland on April 5. Further investigations across the UK The UK has identified a total of 74 cases, including the original 10, as of April 8.
Among six children in the UK, the disease is so severe that a liver transplant is needed, but as of April 11, no deaths have been recorded.
The Alabama Department of Public Health also identified nine children, ages 1 to 6, with hepatitis. All of those children were also adenovirus-positive, and two needed a liver transplant. The ministry said none of the children had any underlying health conditions.
“These children presented to providers in different areas of Alabama with symptoms of gastrointestinal illness and varying degrees of liver damage, including liver failure. Subsequent analysis revealed a possible association of this hepatitis with Adenovirus 41,” the statement said.
“Although the potential role of adenovirus and/or SARS-CoV-2 in the pathogenesis of these cases is only a hypothesis, other infectious and non-infectious factors need to be fully investigated to accurately assess and manage risk,” said WHO.
Only one of the UK cases has been confirmed in close contact with someone with hepatitis. However, no other epidemiological risk factors have been identified, including recent international travel, for cases in Europe and the US.
“Overall, the etiology of current hepatitis cases is still considered unknown and is still under active investigation,” the WHO said of the UK cases. Local health officials are conducting additional testing for other infections, chemicals or toxins that could be the main cause.
Other countries have also reported a small number of cases of hepatitis in children. Fewer than five cases have been confirmed or may have been reported in Ireland, and three have been confirmed in Spain. These cases are also under investigation.
A spokesperson for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is also tracking cases in Alabama, said the agency is in contact with health officials in Europe as they investigate the cases. mysterious case.
WHO warns that it is likely that more cases will be detected before answers and corresponding prevention and control measures have been taken.
“Member States are encouraged to identify, investigate and report potential cases consistent with the case definition,” it said. “WHO is not recommending any restrictions on travel and/or trade with the UK, or any other country where cases have been identified, based on currently available information.”
The CDC is also developing a national health advisory to look for similar cases of hepatitis of unknown cause or related to adenovirus in the rest of the country, the Alabama Department of Public Health said in a statement. his father.
CNN’s Dejania Oliver contributed to this report.
