WHO: 12 countries report at least one death from acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children
2022-04-24 17:19:43Source: Xinhuanet
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 24. The World Health Organization said on the 23rd that as of the 21st, 12 countries had reported acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children, and at least one death had occurred.
A child watches the St Patrick’s Day parade in London, England, on March 13.Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Ying
The WHO said in a communiqué that at least 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology have been reported in children, 114 of them in the UK. Cases have also been reported in the United States, Spain, Israel, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium.
Patients ranged in age from 1 month to 16 years. 17 patients required liver transplantation.
WHO did not provide details such as the country where the death occurred.
Symptoms of many reported cases include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, and most cases are asymptomatic. Five common hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E were not detected in all reported cases.
People go to the emergency room of a hospital in Liverpool, England, on April 1. Published by Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Jon Hupper)
WHO said one type of adenovirus was detected in at least 74 cases, of which 18 were confirmed to be infected with adenovirus type 41; the new coronavirus was detected in 20 cases; and both adenovirus and new coronavirus were detected in 19 cases .
The WHO said that adenovirus was a hypothetical cause of infection in these patients, but was insufficient to explain the current situation.
Dozens of adenoviruses are known, many of which are associated with cold symptoms, fever, sore throat, and more. Adenovirus type 41 is often associated with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and often respiratory symptoms. Hepatitis following adenovirus type 41 infection has not been previously reported in immunocompetent children.
Since the vast majority of patients have not been vaccinated against the new crown vaccine, it can be considered that their hepatitis is not a side effect of the new crown vaccine for now.
WHO is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the UK Health Department and other members and partners.
WHO believes that to prevent the recently reported acute hepatitis in children, it is imperative to determine the cause, and recommends frequent handwashing and respiratory hygiene measures to prevent common viral infections such as adenovirus. (Osa)