WHO: Hepatitis of unknown cause continues to rise

Miscellaneous / by admin / May 05, 2022

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Cases of infection have already been recorded in 20 countries.

World Health Organization (WHO) Media Relations Officer Tarik Jasarevic informedthat the incidence of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children continues to rise.

If at the end of April reported about 169 cases, then as of May 1, at least 228 probable cases were already registered in 20 countries. More than 50 new cases are under review.

However, the number of deaths may increase to 5. The causes of death of three children aged 2, 8 and 11 in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, are currently under investigation for suspected new hepatitis.

The reason for the increase in the number of diseases in children is still unknown, although one of the main versions confirms adenovirus. In the UK, where most cases have been identified, three-quarters of children with confirmed hepatitis have tested positive for a specific adenovirus called F41.

In world practice, there is very little data on cases of adenovirus infection associated with hepatitis in immunocompetent children.

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Will Irving

professor of virology at the University of Nottingham, UK

Adenovirus is mostly known as the common cold virus, which only causes serious consequences in immunocompromised patients. However, all cases associated with the mysterious outbreak of hepatitis have been confirmed in previously healthy children. Therefore, if F41 is indeed the cause of such a surge, then "it is necessary to explain why the natural history of adenovirus infection has changed so much and dramatically in 2022,” added the professor Irving.

There are other opinions regarding such diseases. So, some scientists believe that a small number of cases around the world does not prove that an outbreak exists at all. In their opinion, all this can only be an increase in the level of awareness of hepatitis cases, and not an increase in the number of cases themselves.

Leandro Soares Sereno, Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Advisor at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends watch for possible symptoms and remember about preventive measures:

The most important thing is to pay attention to symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, as well as color: if any signs of jaundice, when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, you should seek medical help, immediately.

We recommend basic hygiene measures, such as hand washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of infection and stop possible transmission of adenoviruses.