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Explainer: What we know about the mysterious liver disease making kids sick around the world


An outbreak of acute childhood hepatitis has killed one person and required a liver transplant in at least 17 others globally, according to the website. World Health Organization. While the cause remains unknown, investigators are studying an adenovirus from a family of viruses that cause a variety of illnesses, including the common cold.
1. When was it first reported and how many people have been affected so far?
The first WE The cases were identified at an Alabama hospital in October 2021, when five children were hospitalized with unexplained liver damage. The World Health Organization was notified on 5 April of 10 cases in previously healthy children in Scotland. Three days later, 74 cases have been identified in the UK
Most of the 169 cases have been detected in the UK – 114 cases as of April 21 – followed by 13 cases in Spain, 12 cases in Israel, 9 cases in the US and 21 cases others scattered in Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium, according to WHO. On April 25, Japan’s Health Ministry said it had found a possible case, raising fears the outbreak was spreading outside of Europe and the US.
With a broader search, “it is very likely that more cases will be detected before the cause is confirmed and more specific control and prevention measures can be taken,” the WHO said. in a statement.
2. What are common symptoms?
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting accompany jaundice, when the skin or whites of the eyes turn yellow. The paraclinical tests showed signs of severe inflammation of the liver, markedly high liver enzymes. Most of the children do not have a fever. Other symptoms of hepatitis include fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, and joint pain.
Affected children range from one month old to 16 years old, with many aged 10 and under. About 10%, or 17 children, need a liver transplant. At least one death has been reported, the WHO said.
3. What causes the disease?
The cause is still unknown. Health authorities and experts are investigating potential triggers, including infection with an adenovirus that has been detected in 74 children. Some are also infected Covidalthough the role of the virus is unclear.
According to WHO, common pathogens that cause acute viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses, were not found in any of the cases. No other risk factors were identified, including links to international travel. Additional testing for other infections, chemicals and toxins is underway in the affected countries, which have also begun enhanced surveillance activities.
It is possible that severe hepatitis is an existing, albeit rare, outcome of adenovirus infection, which is now being detected more frequently with enhanced testing, the WHO said. Adenovirus infections are on the rise recently after falling to pandemic lows, potentially making young children more susceptible. The WHO said it must also investigate the potential emergence of a new adenovirus.
4. What is an adenovirus?
Adenovirus is a common virus that causes a variety of illnesses, including cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, and diarrhea. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to WHO, there are more than 50 types of adenovirus that can cause infection in humans. While they most commonly cause respiratory symptoms, they can also lead to gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, and bladder infections.
WHO says adenovirus has been detected in more than 40% of cases. Of the samples that underwent molecular testing, 18 were identified as adenovirus F type 41. However, these findings are puzzling because adenovirus usually resolves on its own and does not cause disease severity in humans. children. Adenovirus type 41 typically causes diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, often with respiratory symptoms. It is not known to cause hepatitis in otherwise healthy children.





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