Nearly two hundred cases of severe hepatitis have been reported in children worldwide in recent months, including two in France. The origin of the disease is still unknown. However, the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that "the potential impact for the pediatric population is considered high ". Here's what we know so far.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, drugs, alcohol, medications or other toxins. Most commonly, it is caused by infection with the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. These new cases of severe hepatitis cause doctors question and concern as they are considered unusual in children. Indeed, the usual culprits for this type of inflammation have been ruled out.
So far, about 190 cases have been reported worldwide, including around 100 in the UK. A dozen other countries have since reported cases, including the United States, Denmark, Ireland, France, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Norway, Romania and Belgium. Most occurred in children under the age of ten (many were under five). None had comorbidities. Seventeen of the affected children required a liver transplant and at least one died .
As is often the case with liver infections, affected children experienced yellowing of their skin or the white of their eyes . Many also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting). Other symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, and joint pain.
The cause of the cases is still unknown. However, officials suspect the cases are linked to adenovirus type 41 infections. which usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms in children. Several children have tested positive, but not all. It is therefore necessary to remain cautious. This particular virus has previously been linked to hepatitis in children with weakened immune systems. However, it is not known to cause hepatitis in healthy children .
The European disease agency on Thursday classified these new cases of hepatitis as a "public health event of concern ". According to the agency, this classification is justified by "the unknown etiology (cause of the disease), the affected pediatric population and the potentially serious impact “.
