It’s not just Covid-19 that keeps health authorities busy. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring cases of hepatitis in dozens of children in the United Kingdom, the origin of which remains to be determined, it announced on Friday April 15. In some cases, these infections have required liver transplantation.
- How many cases have been detected?
The UK initially reported 10 cases of severe hepatitis in Scotland to the WHO on April 5, before reporting a total of 74 three days later, according to a WHO statement, which expects to new reports in the coming days. Less than five confirmed or possible cases have also been reported in Ireland, and three cases in Spain, she continues. No deaths have been recorded.
Some cases required transfer to a ward specializing in liver disease and six children had to undergo a transplant, the WHO said. This hepatitis mainly affects children under the age of 10 and is manifested by symptoms such as jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- What are the origins of this virus?
Since the usual hepatitis viruses (A to E) have not been detected in affected children, the British health authorities have recently indicated that they are examining the hypothesis of a type of virus (adenovirus), as well as d other possible causes such as Covid-19, other infections or environmental factors. However, they ruled out any link to the coronavirus vaccine, which has not been administered to any of the confirmed cases in the UK.
The WHO stressed that Covid-19 and/or adenovirus, which is experiencing an upsurge in the UK, had been detected “in several cases”, but their role in the development of the disease “is not yet known. clear”. “No other epidemiological risk factor has been identified to date, including recent international travel,” continues the WHO. The organization is “monitoring the situation closely” and is not recommending any travel restrictions with the UK and other countries where cases have been identified.
On the other hand, an epidemiologically linked case has been detected, adds the Guardianwhich means that a patient has been in contact with one or more people who have or have had the disease, or have been exposed to a point source of infection.
In a statement, Meera Chand of the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) stressed that “normal hygiene measures” such as hand washing “help to reduce many of the infections we are investigating”. She called on parents and caregivers to be alert for signs of hepatitis and to “contact a healthcare professional if they are concerned”.