Health authorities around the world are investigating the reasons for the increase in cases of severe jaundice (hepatitis) in young children.
The mysterious increase in cases of jaundice, which causes liver inflammation, among children in the US and Europe has alarmed authorities.
What happened?
To date, more than 190 cases of jaundice have been identified among young children, mostly in the UK. There have been 111 cases of jaundice in children in the UK since January.
The United States, Israel, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain are also countries with fewer cases of jaundice.
Why is the increase in jaundice cases a cause for concern?
Moderate jaundice in children is not uncommon. However, the cases, which first appeared in Scotland on 6 April, caused concern due to their very severe course. While some children needed a liver transplant, one child died.
Another concern is that cases have not been linked to typical types of jaundice viruses such as A, B, C, D and E.
“The number of cases is still very low, but these cases are seen in children, which is the main concern. Another problem is the severe course of the disease,” said Maria Buti, Head of the European Liver Research Association’s public health commission and Liver Disease Specialist. Professor Maria Buti is following the jaundice outbreak closely in liaison with the European Center for Disease Control.
What is the cause of the jaundice epidemic?
The most prominent theory is that the cases were caused by viral infection. It is thought that the adenovirus, which causes the common cold, may also be responsible for cases of jaundice.
A strain of adenovirus known as type 41 can cause acute gastrointestinal inflammation. This type of virus was known to cause jaundice in immunocompromised children. However, there is no data that it causes jaundice in previously healthy children.
Director of Public Health Scotland, Jim McMenamin, said that studies are continuing to determine whether the adenovirus mutates to cause more severe disease or whether it causes disease by interacting with the Corona virus that causes COVID-19.
75 percent of children diagnosed with jaundice in the UK have tested positive for adenovirus.
Experts state that jaundice cases may also be caused by a new microbe or exposure to toxic substances. On the other hand, considering the geographical distribution of cases, it is noteworthy that the probability of infection is higher.
In England, where most cases of jaundice are seen, the assumption that the vaccine may have caused the disease was also dismissed, since children were not vaccinated for COVID-19.
Some experts also say that the reduced immunity of children who were deprived of social interaction during the pandemic period may have increased the cases of jaundice.
“This may be an over-response that results from stimulation of the immune system that is not being used too much. That’s a good theory,” said liver specialist Simon Taylor-Robinson of Imperial College London.
Other experts note that adenovirus infections may be coincidental and remind that adenovirus is common at this time of year.
What do public health officials recommend?
In the warnings issued by public health officials in the USA and Europe, doctors were advised to be alert to cases of jaundice and to test for adenovirus in children when they suspect jaundice.
Symptoms of jaundice include dark urine, yellow eyes and skin, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, and joint pain. Although there is no cure for jaundice, patients are given drugs to reduce inflammation and other symptoms.
Parents are also advised to follow the signs of jaundice closely and consult their healthcare professionals if they are worried.
The UK Health Safety Authority recommends frequent hand washing and “respiratory hygiene” by using tissue paper in case of coughing and sneezing to prevent the spread of jaundice.
Noting that the increase in the number of cases is relatively slow, experts also warn that new cases are expected.